Religious Institutions Research Articles

The British Broadsheet Press and the Representation of “The Mosque” in the Aftermath of Post-7/7 Britain

The role of the mosque has become increasingly vital, particularly in contemporary societies such as Britain, where both the place and status of religion in public life are constantly discussed and debated. Indeed, in the contemporary period, the role of the mosque has several dimensions, ranging from a social space, educational and cultural exchange, and community cohesion centre to a knowledge hub. In this context, this paper suggests that a mosque should be seen as an independent religious institution, although these are influenced by and responsive to governments, elites, pressure groups, public bodies, etc. Using a thematic analysis of news items in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph over a period of two years (8 July 2005–7 July 2007), it finds that in the aftermath of 7/7, the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims is largely seen as incompatible and a threat to secular British society and that it is linked with radicalisation and terrorism. According to Quranic texts and revelations, it is indeed a fact that mosques are open to all. This is logical since God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness are for all of mankind without any distinction, which is perhaps why the mosque has been the sacred house of God Himself. This study aims to reveal the development of visible hostility in some sections of the British media and political campaigns. Moreover, it intends to trace the determination and idea of the mosque as a religious place and an institution for British Muslims rather than only a place for worship. Finally, this study will argue the role of the mosque in promoting community cohesion and mutual understanding within the Muslim and other faith communities located in Britain.

Can Faith be the Key to Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development in Nigeria?

Nigeria confronts a dual challenge: pressing environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable development. This research explores the underutilized potential of religious institutions, a powerful force in Nigerian society, to champion environmental responsibility. Utilizing Social Ecology theory, the study examines the current engagement of religious bodies through interviews and a targeted survey of 390 participants. The findings reveal a critical need for collaboration between religious institutions, government, and civil society. Overcoming identified barriers is essential for progress. A significant portion (72%) of respondents highlighted a lack of environmental awareness within their communities, while nearly half (46.5%) cited insufficient government support and funding as roadblocks. This study proposes a novel approach: leveraging the moral authority and extensive community networks of religious institutions. The research underscores that there is need for urgent unified action. The paper argues that by addressing environmental challenges through collaborative efforts, religious institutions, government, and civil society can secure a sustainable future for all Nigerians. This study offers a beacon of hope, suggesting that faith-based solutions can be a powerful force for positive environmental change in Nigeria and even to third world nations that are grappling with this challenging phenomenon.

Social Interaction in Building Religious Tolerance in Sukabumi City Society

This study aims to determine the understanding of society, social interaction in building religious tolerance and the role of religious institutions in maintaining religious tolerance in the community of Sukabumi. This form of study is qualitative and based on fieldwork using three methods including phenomenological method, sociological method, and historical method. The results of this study found that: first, the understanding of the people of Sukabumi about tolerance reflects an attitude of respect and acceptance of religious diversity, culture, and views. They actively interact with diverse backgrounds, respect human rights, and encourage interfaith and cultural participation in community activities. This understanding creates an inclusive, harmonious, and peaceful coexistence environment, which makes Sukabumi an inspiring example in building a tolerant society. Social interaction between citizens of different religions and effective social communication have established a social contract that respects and respects religious rights. Sukabumi's achievement as the 6th tolerant city in Indonesia shows the commitment of the government and society in promoting the values of tolerance. Positive factors, such as government policies, inclusive education programs, and public awareness, contributed to this achievement. Through the iceberg models approach, researchers can understand how social interaction fosters harmony and awareness of religious diversity. Understanding and respect for religious diversity is the hallmark of Sukabumi that must be strengthened in order to be an example of harmony for a diverse Indonesia.

Studying Religiosity Beyond (Western) Christianity: an Empirical-Psychological Perspective and its Implications

Abstract Over recent decades, empirical research on religion has increasingly criticized its primary focus on Western Christianity. This paper has two aims: Firstly, it addresses challenges in applying ‘Western’ empirical research on religion to non-Western contexts (samples, measurement, results and discussion). Secondly, it highlights the convergent approach, bridging the gap between the perceived dichotomy of cultural universalism and cultural relativism. This approach acknowledges both religiosity’s universal commonalities across contexts and particularities in a certain cultural-religious context. Studying religiosity beyond Christianity enables to explore a nearly limitless field of basic research but also provides a robust empirical, social-scientific foundation for various practical applications that are gaining increasing social relevance, such as therapy, migration, and counseling for religious institutions. Such are vital for the future of our field, ensuring its continued relevance in times of accelerated secularization.

The Rev. Newell’s Dilemma: Responding to Lauaki’s Mau a Pule Movement

ABSTRACT The Samoan-led Mau movements have dominated Samoan historiography. Based on popularized narratives, the storyline suggests that other key groups, namely religious institutions, were merely spectators. A revisionist historical approach challenges the popularized narrative of the movements; precisely, the notion that the London Missionary Society (LMS) remained ‘neutral’. LMS missionary Rev. James Edward Newell was instrumental in quelling potential battles between the Mau a Pule movement of Lauaki Mamoe and German Governor Wilhelm Solf between 1908 and 1909. Newell felt tugged into a precarious position by three forces during the movement: as a senior LMS missionary, a trusted Samoan friend, and ‘loyal’ to the German administration. An examination of Newell’s letters, German correspondences, and secondary sources suggests that despite Newell’s dilemma, he committed himself to the message of peace. While at pains to admit it, he remained an agent of Governor Solf’s objective of quelling the movement.

Jeremy Bentham: Prophet of Secularism

Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the philosopher and reformer, pointed out that the original Greek term for prophet referred in its most extensive sense to a person who ‘speaks out’, and in a more limited extent to a person who ‘foretells’. Every politician who advocated a measure that he thought was beneficial, noted Bentham, was therefore a prophet. The term, however, had been appropriated by ‘religionists’, who had seized on its ambiguity to further their own schemes and projects. Bentham turned against religion in his early teenage years. He came to advocate religious freedom and the abolition of all formal connection between church and state. Reluctant for many years to make his hostility explicit, by the 1810s he was ready to launch a sustained attack on religion and religious establishments. In ‘Not Paul, but Jesus’, a comparison of the teachings of St Paul with those of Jesus, Bentham offered a critique of the teachings of Paul, with a particular focus on the principle of asceticism (the doctrine that the right action is that which promotes pain and eliminates pleasure). Bentham argued that Paul’s strategy had been to instil credulity in his followers so that they would believe anything he told them. Paul had gone on to attack activities that might divert his followers from following his religion, the most important being the pleasures of the bed and the table. Bentham argued that Jesus had not condemned such pleasures. The religion of Paul was, therefore, different from the religion of Jesus. Bentham proposed that all sexual activity that was consensual – whether with oneself, whether with partners of the same or the opposite sex, whether with partners of different species – should be made free from legislative interference.

Communication Styles and Leadership Conflicts in the Legio Maria Church, Ugenya, Kenya

This study explored the impact of communication styles on leadership conflicts within the Legio Maria Church in Ugenya. Effective communication is crucial for organizational dynamics, particularly in religious institutions where spiritual authority intersects with hierarchical structures. The Legio Maria Church faces persistent leadership conflicts, often exacerbated by differences in how leaders convey, interpret, and act upon information. These conflicts are influenced by the church's complex web of formal and informal communication channels, which shape power dynamics and organizational cohesion. This research identifies the diverse communication styles employed by church leaders, ranging from direct and open to indirect and informal methods. It examined how these styles impact decision-making processes, conflict-resolution strategies, and overall leadership dynamics. By understanding personal and organizational communication preferences, the study provides insights into the root causes of leadership conflicts. Practical recommendations are proposed, including communication training programs, clear communication protocols, and fostering a culture of openness and respect for diverse communication styles. These measures aimed to enhance leadership cohesion and improve the church's ability to serve its members effectively. This research contributes to the broader discourse on effective communication in religious organizations, offering valuable insights for fostering sustainable leadership practices and organizational harmony within the Legio Maria Church.

Factors Underlying Leadership Conflict at Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya

This study explores the factors underlying leadership conflict within the Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya. Leadership conflicts in this religious institution have been a persistent issue rooted in resource control, leadership claims, and personal disputes, notably involving self-proclaimed leaders. Resource conflicts, cited by 8% of respondents, often stem from disagreements over financial management and equitable distribution. Leadership claims, leading to factionalism and power struggles, are another critical factor, with 4% of respondents highlighting conflicts over papal authority. Historical analysis reveals that leadership conflict has been present since the church's inception, starting with a dispute between the founder, Baba Messiah Melkio Simeo Ondeto, and Gaudencia Aoko, who was excommunicated for attempting to assert herself as a leader. The study underscores the need for structured conflict resolution and peace-building initiatives, emphasizing the inclusion of women leaders and collaboration with expert organizations. Reconciliation, inspired by biblical principles, requires humility and open dialogue to address pride and self-interest among leaders. Forgiveness, crucial for healing and relationship restoration, is recommended to resolve ongoing conflicts. Implementing transparent resource management, fostering unity, and advocating for reconciliation can significantly mitigate leadership conflicts. This comprehensive approach aims to restore harmony within the church, ensuring it continues to serve as a sanctuary for its members. The findings provide a foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of leadership conflict and offer practical solutions for achieving lasting peace in the Legio Maria of Africa Mission Church.

Navigating the disclosure landscape: Parents' perspectives on healthcare professionals' role in supporting intersex children and families.

Intersex, an umbrella term, describes individuals with sex characteristics that cannot be exclusively categorized into binary definitions of male or female. The intersex community faces a lack of social visibility perpetuated by a history of medical discrimination and pathologization shaped by "normalizing" genital surgeries without the child's consent. Despite efforts to reform clinical practice, there remains a paucity of research centering the needs of the intersex community and their families. This study explored parents' perspectives on how healthcare professionals (HCPs), such as genetics professionals, can provide patient-centered education and support when parents first learn of their child's intersex variation, with the aim of offering recommendations to HCPs to promote parental adjustment and protect intersex children's right to autonomy. Thirteen qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents of intersex children. Through reflexive thematic analysis, under the framework of an agency-based approach to intersex health, thematic categories were inductively conceptualized, including barriers and facilitators to HCPs' sensitivity and to parental adjustment in the early disclosure environment. Barriers to HCPs' sensitivity were imposed by educational, religious, or medical institutions, along with sociocultural prejudices and pathologizing language. Barriers to parental adaptation included uncertainty regarding their child's future, sociocultural gender norms, and unsuitable information provision. Incorporating parental needs in the disclosure environment can facilitate familial acceptance, including normalization of variations of sex characteristics (VSCs), enhanced medical education, facilitation of patients' navigation, and prioritization of parents' social support needs.

Analysis Of Meaning and Moral Education Values of Al Barzanji's Poetry in The Community Environment Cianjur District

The tradition of reading Barzanji's poems in Cianjur District seems to be decreasing and decreasing. The causal factors include 1) the lack of socialization and training from Barzanji speakers towards the younger generation, 2) the lack of interest and attention from the younger generation to learn the recitation of Barzanji's poems, 3) the absence of a specific institution to deepen Islamic cultural art in terms of this is the preservation of the tradition of reading Barzanji's poetry, 4) the rapid flow of infiltration of non-Islamic culture towards the Muslim community so that the Muslim community knows and applies non-Islamic cultures more than the Islamic culture itself. Furthermore, the author conveys that this research will describe the results of data analysis on the meaning and values ​​of Moral Education in the tradition of reading Barzanji's Poems in the community of Cianjur Regency. This method is descriptive. An effort to preserve the Barzanji tradition in the community of Cianjur Regency includes: 1) Improving the learning and training process for the Barzanji Tradition at Majlis Ta'lim and Islamic boarding schools so that the Barzanji tradition can be passed down from generation to generation, 2) Organizing a Barzanji festival periodically with involving religious institutions and schools, especially during religious holidays, 3) making or incorporating Barzanji poetry into teaching materials in Islamic Religious Education or Indonesian language subjects in schools from elementary to tertiary level, 4 ) Carrying out intensive outreach regarding the historicity and meaning of Barzanji's poetry to the wider community both in urban and rural areas.

After Restructuring: Understanding Religion, Nonreligion, and Spirituality in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract The Restructuring of American Religion (1988) provided a still-influential framework for the study of American religion that centered the emergence, after World War II, of a left–right religio-political divide driving mobilization around conflicts understood as moral. But in the last 30 years, the landscape of American religion has been transformed by decline in commitment to mainstream religious institutions, especially white Christian ones, and by the emergence of large groups of Americans who are religiously indifferent or who embrace spirituality or nonreligion. A new framework is needed to account for this transformed landscape. This framework must avoid problems characteristic of earlier approaches by conceiving of morals and interests as mutually constitutive, centering whiteness, racialization, and the defense of heteropatriarchy in explaining religio-political conflict, integrating the study of nonreligion and spirituality and religion, and analyzing not only decline in religious commitment but the changing meaning of religious identity in a transformed landscape.

Originalarbeiten / Original Articles. Prävention sexualisierter Gewalt an Kindern und Jugendlichen: Präventionsmaßnahmen und Schutzkonzepte in den Bereichen Sport, Musik und Kirche

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention Programs and Safeguarding Concepts in the Context of Sports, Musical Education, and Religious Organizations Prevalence rates of child sexual abuse by caregivers in private and non-public institutions underscore the need for implementing safeguarding concepts. However, factors driving the implementation of prevention and safeguarding in the field are not well understood. What supportive and inhibiting factors can be identified in the implementation of safeguarding concepts and prevention programs? Content analysis of semi-structured interviews with professional and volunteer staff in clubs and institutions (n = 10, 69 % female) as well as with individuals who experienced child sexual abuse during their childhood (n = 3, 66 % female). Safeguarding concepts in clubs or religious institutions were primarily initiated by umbrella organizations. Current incidents of child maltreatment, public pressure, and media attention substantially increased the need for preventive actions. The provision of training, resources, and networking structures by umbrella organizations further facilitated their implementation. Main implementation challenges included limited personnel and time resources, lack of expertise, insufficient training opportunities, and absence of guidelines and support from umbrella organizations. Due to club leaders' limited knowledge and resources an independent implementation of safeguarding concepts is largely lacking without concrete guidelines and support from umbrella organizations. To upscale safeguarding, public policies or incentive systems such as state-funded child protection certifications are thus paramount.

From Text to Relics: The Emergence of the Scribe-Martyr in Late Antique Christianity (Fourth Century–Seventh Century)

Abstract: This paper delves into the conflation of two prominent figures of authority in the early Christian world: the scribe-scholar and the martyr. While previous scholarship has largely examined these figures separately, this study focuses on their association and argues that they were meaningfully combined to establish a new form of textual authority. The motif of the scribe-martyr is explored in a series of Christian texts, from Pseudo-Pionius to John Moschus and late ancient hagiographic texts, tracing its origins to the fourth century. This development emerged from the growing association between the authority of written texts as physical objects and the rise of the cult of saints and their relics. In parallel with Foucault’s concept of the author-function, a distinct Christian “scribe-function” emerged within this context, i.e., discourses of authority, fictitious or historical, involving the individuals who reproduced or corrected texts. The paper posits that the motif of the scribe-martyr was then strategically employed in legal, scholarly, and institutional contexts to express faithfulness, resistance, authorization, and legitimation. As a result, this conflation contributed significantly to the attribution of holiness and authority to texts, sacred places, and religious institutions. Thus, the scribe-martyr, connected to the revered relic-texts, assumed a particularly potent role as a figure of theological authority within late ancient Christianity.

تأثير برنامج ترقية اللغة الأجنبية في ترقية مهارة الكلام لطلاب الجامعة في كلية التربية بجامعة الإسلامية الحكومية

This research is based on the existence of a language development program which we often know as FLDP (Foreign Language Development Program), which is one of the programs offered and presented by the Madura State Islamic Religious Institute campus to prepare students for the future. This research aims to measure the influence of IAIN Madura's FLDP (Foreign Language Development Program). This type of research is quantitative. Data collection techniques use questionnaires, observation and documentation. In the aspect of developing speaking skills, it is very necessary, especially for foreign speakers, so IAIN Madura presents FLD (Foreign Language Development Program) so that IAIN Madura students are not only able to think but are also able to speak Arabic.

Ora et Guberna. The Economic Impact of the Rule of St Benedict in Medieval England

Within the turmoil of the Norman Conquest, did religious institutions affect the economic outcomes of their land? Exploiting historical data about the changes in holdings’ lordship that occurred after the Conquest, we compare the economic performance of estates controlled by different types of lords. Holdings controlled by Benedictine monasteries (vis-à-vis secular lords) experienced a better performance, although, once accounting for the unchanging upper level of the feudal structure, we cannot fully disentangle this effect from the persistence of Benedictine Overlordship. A comparison with Celtic monasteries, with a different organizational structure, suggests a role for the governance structure of Benedictine monasteries.

Scaling up climate change finance in Ghana: The role of religious institutions

Scaling up climate change finance in <scp>Ghana</scp>: The role of religious institutions

Integration of Islamic Values in Anti-Corruption (A Secondary Data Study on Public Perception of Corruption and Religion)

This study examines the acceptance of Indonesia society towards the integration of Islamic values in corruption eradication policies. Through secondary data in the form of research survey data, this paper aims to explore the public's knowledge about Islamic values related to anti-corruption, their views on the effectiveness of Islamic values-based policies, and the level of support for the integration of these values in public policy. The survey results showed that the majority of respondents had a fairly good knowledge of relevant Islamic values, such as honesty (ash-shidq), justice (al-adl), and amanah. Most respondents believe that anti-corruption policies based on Islamic values will be more effective, with high support for the integration of these values. However, there are concerns regarding the consistency of implementation and the potential for politicization of religious values. This research suggests improving education and socialization of Islamic values, consistency in policy implementation, and collaboration with religious institutions as strategic steps to strengthen the eradication of corruption in Indonesia.

Character Formation and Moral Development in Children Through Mosque Engagement Programs

The formation of akhlakul karimah (noble character) is an important aspect of children's education in Islamic teachings, which includes good moral and ethical values. This study is based on the aim to explore the effectiveness of mosque-centered activities in fostering these values among children. The background of this study highlights the important role of mosques in guiding children towards good morals through various religious activities. The methodology of this paper is based on Participatory Action Research (PAR) which involves active collaboration with community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program. This approach includes counseling and training on akhlakul karimah values, organizing religious activities such as calligraphy, hadrah, qiro'ah, and Qur'an reading, increasing parental and community involvement, and conducting ongoing evaluations to assess the impact of the program. The findings of the study revealed that the mosque-centered approach plays an effective role in fostering positive attitudes and behaviors among children. Mosque-centered activities can also provide a positive impression to the community about the importance of prospering the mosque. The results of this study are expected to provide an understanding of how religious institutions such as mosques can play an important role in the moral and ethical development of children through community involvement and active participation.

Patriarchy, economic values, and tax morale in Indonesia

This research aims to examine the influence of patriarchal ideology, economic values, age, gender, marital status, education level, employment status, and religion on the tax morale of Indonesian citizens. This cross-sectional research adopts a quantitative approach and utilizes World Value Survey (WVS) VII data collected in 2017. The respondents to WVS VII were 3,200 (three thousand two hundred) Indonesian citizens who were over 17 (seventeen) years old and spread across several provinces. STATA 17 processed the data and used logistic regression techniques for analysis. Researchers found that only patriarchal ideological orientation, education level, and religion had a significant impact on citizens' tax morale. Only patriarchal ideologies have a negative relationship with citizens’ tax morale. Researchers recommend that the government should intensify mass education on gender justice, enhance the quality of education, and support various religious institutions, particularly Islam, to instill religious values in society.

Aswaja Material Learning Assistance with Peer Learning Method

This study discusses the assistance of learning Aswaja material through the application of peer learning methods in the religious education environment at the madrasah tsnawiyah level. The peer learning method was chosen as an approach to increase students' understanding and involvement in learning Aswaja concepts. This mentoring process involves students as facilitators in study groups, where they share knowledge and learning experiences with each other. A qualitative approach was used in this study, with case studies as the main framework. The research participants consisted of students, teachers, and school administrators who were directly involved in the learning process. Data was collected through interviews, participatory observations, as well as analysis of curriculum documents and evaluation of student learning outcomes. The results of the study show that the use of the peer learning method in Aswaja learning is able to increase student engagement, strengthen understanding of the material, and encourage collaboration between students. Challenges faced in the application of this method include differences in abilities between students and the need for facilitator training to be more effective in guiding groups. The discussion highlights the implications of these findings for the development of the Aswaja learning method in religious education institutions as well as strategic recommendations to optimize the application of peer learning methods to improve the quality of education.