Religious Organizations Research Articles

Examining the relationship between religious volunteering and mental health screeners among firefighters

ABSTRACT Firefighters experience a high level of traumatic incidents in their work. This high level of exposure puts them at risk for trauma-related symptoms. These trauma symptoms include PTSD, suicide risk, alcohol misuse, and depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, repeated exposure has been found to lead to desensitization, flashbacks, irritability, and PTSD. Exposure to natural disasters may also impact ecospirituality. A survey was designed to include the Life Events Checklist, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, and the SBQ-R. This survey was administered to firefighters from Northwest Florida in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Participants were found to have higher levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk than the general population. Participants were further asked about their volunteering for religious organization activity. A significant relationship was found between volunteering for religious organization and mental health screeners. Religious volunteering predicted lower levels of PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. The effect size was small.

“Wenn es nur einmal so ganz stille wäre...”

This article is a revised version of the inaugural lecture delivered on 5 October2023, on the occasion of the author's appointment as Professor of History of Religions at Lund University. It opens by depicting fundamental changes in the study of the history of religions in the twentieth century, followed by biographical notes, including her research on lay Buddhism in urban Taiwan, the emphasis on sensual dimensions of religious practice and the aesthetics of religion, and international academic networking in the analysis of practices of prognostication between Asia and Europe. Three areas are outlined that are central to the author's current research. It is pointed out that a focus on religion in contemporary society certainly includes a healthy awareness of current developments in the politics of religion, particularly in East Asia. In addition, the article addresses two fields of research that the author is currently engaged in: (1) The emergence of "Life Education" as a school subject in Greater China and the pedagogical shift that goes along with it. Particularly in Taiwan, this new subject is tailored to create a space for juveniles to develop self-reflection and life orientation in a success-oriented society while a new trust in religious organizations leads to the organizations' active engagement in these developments. The author is especially interested in how the transforming relationship between religion and public education gains special relevance in a comparative perspective between Asia and Europe. (2) Religious change in East Asia is evident in Buddhist ritual practices that are impacted by a consumer society that moulds emotionally profound experiences into marketable and distinct units that Eva Illouz has termed "emodities". Religious practices are subject to change in our contemporary world as they are reshaped by a growing global digitalized consumer culture. Tracing these changes leads to a deeper understanding of the underlying forces that distinctly reshape contemporary religious life.

The Prevalence of Abnormal Cervical Cytology at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Cervical cancer continues to be a significant public health concern, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with approximately 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths reported in 2020 (World Health Organization, 2020). The burden of cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to effective screening and treatment options is often limited. Early detection and treatment of cervical premalignant lesions are crucial in reducing the incidence and mortality associated with this preventable disease. The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology, the histological types and patient characteristics among patients attending the Gynaecology/postnatal clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of all cervical smears received and processed at the Pathology laboratory of Federal Teaching Hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. Results: The records of 596 smears of women between the ages of 20 and 65 years were retrieved and analyzed. Negative smears were predominant (62.6%) while 8.7% were inflammatory smears. Dyskaryotic smears were found in 155 smears (26.0%); this was made up atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGCUS) in 1.8%, Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in 10.23%, Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 10.6% and High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in 3.6%. Malignant cells were found in 0.5% of the smears while the remaining 2.1% were unsatisfactory. Conclusion: The relatively high frequency of dyskaryosis in this study lends credence to the need for us to widen our cervical screening coverage in order to achieve the highest possible coverage rate. This can be achieved through the use of public education by means of various media, women and religious organizations.

The Longitudinal Impact of Family, Religious, and School Support on the Mental Health of Filipino and Korean American Youth Across Adolescence.

Asian Americans, currently the most rapidly expanding racial group in the USA, are experiencing persistent mental health inequities. These inequities are particularly pronounced during adolescence, highlighting the critical need for dedicated focus on this demographic. Social support is a key shield against mental distress among these adolescents, yet little research has examined the collective impact of multiple sources of support over time, across developmental stages, and for different ethnic subgroups. Drawing on the integrated conceptual framework, this longitudinal study is the first to our knowledge to examine how support from families, religious organizations, and schools together predicts mental health over time across adolescents' developmental stages. We further examined how these relationships may be moderated by age groups, distinguishing between the early adolescence cohort and the middle adolescence cohort. Data were from the Midwest Longitudinal Study of Asian American Families (MLSAAF) project that survey-interviewed 378 Filipino American and 408 Korean American adolescents (Mage = 15years). Findings reveal that family support consistently buffers against mental distress throughout adolescence for both groups. Religious support distinctly aids Filipino American early adolescents, while school support notably benefits early adolescents regardless of ethnicity. These findings emphasize the universal protective effects of social support, while also highlighting the nuanced ways that developmental stage and ethnicity may influence how different sources of support impact mental health. This underscores the need for developmentally and culturally sensitive mental health strategies for Asian American adolescents.

The National Lottery, religion, and community in mid-1990s Britain

ABSTRACT Introduced in 1994, the National Lottery quickly sparked debate amongst faith leaders, cautious about the new institution. This article traces the reverberations of religious critiques of the lottery amidst the evidence of religious organisations simultaneously accepting lottery proceeds. Questioning how secular British culture was in the 1990s, it offers a more complex picture than accounts which see the failure of faith leaders to amend the lottery as symbolic of the weakness of religion at the end of the century. Looking in detail at individual lottery players—both believers and those without faith—the article positions lottery play as a surprising instrument of community in the 1990s. Based in large part on an analysis of responses to the Mass Observation Project, it also carries implications for scholars who use this material to unpack popular attitudes at the end of the century.

Islamic activism in Indonesia and its representation by Nahdatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah organizations

The article analyzes the phenomenon of Islamic activism in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, broadcast by the country's leading Islamic organizations.The phenomenon of Islamic activism originated in the middle of the XIX century under the influence of the intervention of Western countries into Islamic regions. Islamic activism as a phenomenon is still not structured, but is a reaction of Muslim society to the challenges of the world. Islamic activism affects absolutely all spheres of human life, from the organization of interest groups to global politics. One of the main properties of Islamic activism is the emergence of large religious organizations that are the conductors of ideologies peculiar to the region where the organization appeared. A striking example is the Islamic organization Nahdatul Ulama, which, unfortunately, is not as studied by domestic researchers as others. The social transformations she has brought to Indonesian and world society through the promotion of Islamic social, political and economic activism are also poorly understood.

The attitude of the Bashkortostan clergy to spiritual and educational activities

The article examines spiritual and educational activities as one of the conditions for solving the strategic task of protecting traditional spiritual and moral values. Ministers (staff, volunteers) of religious organizations are considered as potential specialists in the field of spiritual and moral education. The Bashkortostan clergy expressed their attitude towards a new type of non-religious activity by taking part in a specially designed survey. The study showed that the clergy of the Republic of Bashkortostan, considering themselves as the carriers of spiritual and religious knowledge, are able to share their experience with parishioners. They are also ready to develop in the younger generation the skills of a religious way of understanding the world. Moreover, they are able to instill the values of religious doctrine, have experience in conducting educational events and reveal high readiness to conduct educational activities. But at the same time they understand that they are able to partially satisfy educational needs and interests in the field of religious cultures. The identified high need of the clergy for mastering spiritual and educational competencies leads the researcher to the conclusion that it is necessary to include a special course in the training of Orthodox and Muslim higher educational institutions, and, moreover, to develop a master’s program in “Spiritual and Moral Education.”

Navigating the Secular Landscape: Religious Discourse on Transgender Rights in the United Kingdom

Transgender people face high rates of discrimination and health problems yet supportive policy measures are often opposed, especially by religious organisations adhering to cis-normative theologies. Scholars exploring the links between religion and transgender issues have examined a number of themes, but the way religious actors discursively frame transgender issues remains under-researched. This article contributes to work in this area by using the concept of political opportunity structures to examine the discourse of religious groups on the 2022 Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill. The study shows that arguments were typically framed in secular terms, drawing on the epistemic authority of science and a language of individual rights. Supporting groups used arguments designed to highlight the difficulties that transgender people face. Oppositional groups used themes based on biological essentialism, concern for the well-being of trans people, the risks to cisgendered women and warnings about the negative impact on society and religious freedoms.

Legal Review of the Granting of Mining Business Licenses to Religious Organizations

The government, through Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 25 of 2014 concerning amendments to Government Regulation Number 96 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities, provides special rights for Religious Organizations to obtain mineral and coal IUPs without having to go through an auction process. This research aims to examine and analyze legal reviews regarding the granting of mining business permits to religious community organizations. The problem formulation in this research consists of: 1). What are the dynamics and problems of granting mining business permits to religious organizations? 2). How is the use of mining business permits in accordance with the principles of justice and equality? The research method used in this research is doctrinal legal research. The results of this research conclude that: 1). The dynamics and problems of granting mining business permits to Religious Organizations are: First, the potential for silencing public supervision. Second, the low level of experience and competence of Religious Organizations in managing mineral and coal mining. Third, the auction process is set aside by eliminating the auction obligation for Religious Mass Organizations in receiving IUPs. 2). Utilization of mining business permits in accordance with the principles of justice and equality consists of: First, the concept of implementing affirmative action for specific IUPs must be given to vulnerable communities. Second, the use of CSR should be an alternative for the Government to provide financial assistance to Religious Organizations rather than providing IUPs which have no rational reason to be handed over to Religious Organizations.

Research on The Trend of Vietnamese Women’s Participation in Online Religious Activities with The Rise of Social Media

In the context of globalization and social media, religions in Vietnam are undergoing significant transformation; this research focuses on examining the trends of Vietnamese Women’s Participation in Online religious activities. The collaboration between traditional religiosity and digital technologies has given rise to Online Religious Activities, enabling people to practice their beliefs in a new way. By applying desk research and sociological surveys, the aim is to examine the trend of Vietnamese Women’s engagement with religious content on social media. Results show that Vietnamese women prefer Facebook as the main platform; popular activities include watching and listening to sermons with a frequency of 1 to 3 times a week. Their main purpose is to strengthen religious knowledge. Based on these findings, the research group suggests three ways to assist Vietnamese religious organizations in adapting to digital development, maintaining harmony, and enhancing their status within the community. These solutions include (i) Solutions for managing Online religious practices, (ii) Solutions for organizing Online religious practices, and (iii) Solutions for the content of Online religious practices.

Resilience in the midst of difficulties: the challenges of single mothers receiving zakat assistance in pahang

This study explores the multifaceted challenges and coping strategies of single mothers who are recipients of zakat aid in Pahang. Utilising a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants, predominantly elderly women, to gain insights into their lived experiences as single mothers and recipients of zakat aid. The analysis identified key themes: financial instability, role strain and conflicting demands, childcare and parenting challenges, social stigma and isolation, and difficulties accessing resources. Despite these challenges, single mothers exhibit remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, drawing upon personal resilience, social support networks, formal aid systems, prioritisation and time management, spiritual and religious coping, and adaptation and resourcefulness. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support single mothers, addressing both their economic and emotional needs to enhance their well-being and societal integration. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems and the role of community and religious organisations in empowering single mothers to navigate their complex lives.

PERAN ETIKA INOVASI DAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN LEMBAGA DAKWAH DI ERA DISRUPTIF

This disruptive era has had the impact of major changes in various fields, including da'wah institutions. Da'wah institutions as religious organizations face the challenge of remaining relevant, effective, and harmonious in conveying moral and spiritual messages to society. In this context, the ethics of innovation and entrepreneurship are key to the adaptation of da'wah institutions, because they can influence people's perceptions of these institutions. This research aims to explore how da'wah institutions apply innovation ethically and how entrepreneurship can support its sustainability in a disruptive era. Using qualitative research methods, this research explores insights from various da'wah institutions through library research based on primary data sources and secondary data to examine the ethics of innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of da'wah institutions. Primary data are journals and books related to secondary data obtained from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and journal reviews. The research results show that ethical innovation and moral entrepreneurship are important factors in maintaining the relevance of da'wah institutions in a disruptive era and the role of ethics in innovation and entrepreneurship in da'wah institutions.

Transformation in Beliefs and Religious Practices among Religious Followers in Present-Day Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with diverse religions. The transformation in beliefs and religious practices among religious followers in Vietnam is constantly influenced by global trends, the industrial revolution 4.0, the country’s achievements in renovation, international integration, and the Party and State’s religious policies. This context drives religious organizations to continually revive, develop both structurally and operationally, and diversify their activities. However, this dynamism also brings complexity and impacts various aspects of social life. This study sheds light on the current process of transformation in faith and religious practices among followers of different religions in Vietnam. Furthermore, it provides authentic information for relevant researchers to compare, contrast, and support scientific arguments. Ultimately, it offers reasonable grounds for Vietnam’s functional agencies to issue and enforce more effective policies related to religion.

Child Sexual Abuse and Boundary Violating Behaviors in Youth Serving Organizations: National Prevalence and Distribution by Organizational Type.

Many youth serving organizations (YSOs) implement child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention strategies. We examined the potential impact of those strategies by retrospectively estimating the prevalence of CSA and boundary violating behaviors experienced in five broad organizational settings: organized sports, religious organizations, music or arts programs, K-12 schools, and the "Big 6 settings" (i.e., 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the YMCA of the USA). We compared victimization rates between nationally representative cohorts of younger adults (age 18-22; N = 3174) and slightly older adults (age 32-36, N = 3237). Across all participants and settings, 3.75% (n = 363) experienced CSA in YSOs. Among survivors, younger adults reported experiencing a lower proportion of CSA within Big 6 settings than older adults (29.1% vs. 44.5%; p < .05), suggesting that prevention efforts may be having the desired effects in Big 6 settings.

RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND THE FREEDOM TO PRACTICE RELIGION IN NORTH MACEDONIA

One of the most important assets that human society has inherited since its existence until now undoubtedly is the religious diversity. The freedom to practice religion or belief cannot be subjected to other restrictions except those provided by law which make up necessary measures in a democratic society including public security, public health and ethic order protection or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. The protection and guarantee of freedom of religious belief, the right not to be affined to any other religion or belief as well as the opportunity that religious communities to practice their religion unhindered are the fundamental elements of the religious freedom right foreseen in democratic constitutions. Therefore, if the religious freedom in all its aspects it is not being implemented and guaranteed within a community or state indicates disrespecting of human rights and lack of constitutional values. The Constitution of Republic of North Macedonia, approved on November 17, 1991, defines the basic framework into which state relations with religious organizations are proceeded and examined, as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Since its independence until today, in Republic of North Macedonia, the ideological and political pillars defining the Macedonian model of secularism have not always functioned in complete harmony and cohesion. This conclusion derived by the nature of legal provisions approved in this area, which are going to be discussed in this work of study.

" Operationalizing Jitegemea Philosophy As A Model To Sustainable Development To Retirement Plan Among The Pulpit Workers

Purpose of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the operationalization of Jitegemea Philosophy as a model for the sustainable development of retirement plans among pulpit workers. Statement of the Problem Despite the importance of retirement planning, these workers face challenges such as low salaries, irregular income, and limited access to pension schemes, leading to financial insecurity in later life. The Jitegemea (self-reliance) philosophy, rooted in principles of self-sufficiency and sustainability, offers a potential model for addressing this gap. However, there is limited research and practical application of Jitegemea as a structured retirement planning model tailored to the specific needs of pulpit workers. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the financial security and well-being of PCEA pulpit workers in retirement. Therefore, this study explores how operationalizing the Jitegemea philosophy could provide a sustainable solution for enhancing financial security and well-being for clergy during retirement. Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with PCEA pulpit workers to explore their perceptions, experiences, and challenges related to retirement planning. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants from various PCEA churches in Nairobi. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes and patterns related to retirement planning among PCEA pulpit workers. Key Findings: The study revealed that while many clergy face socio-economic barriers, religious beliefs, community support, and proactive planning can foster resilience. Participants expressed mixed emotions about retirement, some feeling apprehensive and others viewing it as a period of spiritual renewal. The study highlights the need for tailored support mechanisms, including financial literacy programs, fair compensation, and expanded pension schemes. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among religious institutions, policymakers, and community organizations to improve retirement planning. Recommendation: Recommendations include financial education, compensation reform, and community support to ensure better retirement preparedness. Further research is suggested to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions on clergy retirement outcomes.

How churches make education policy: the churchification of Hungarian education and the social question under religious populism

ABSTRACT Since 2010, Hungary’s authoritarian populist government has radically redefined church-state relations, promoting the governance narrative of building an ‘old-style Christian democracy’. Public education has been reconceptualised within a religious framework and outsourced to religious actors. This article explores how key religious organisations engage with the government’s religious populism and govern their expanding school networks. Given the immanent tension between nativist Christian-conservative identity politics and Christian teachings about the church’s social mission, I focus on how Christian church elites have engaged with the education of underprivileged communities. Four characteristic types of strategic involvement are identified based on church education policies and their legitimacy discourses concerning their (lack of) engagement with the social question. Despite using different approaches to navigate political pressures, both the nativist illiberal and inclusive liberal visions of religion and their corresponding policies have reinforced the structures of segregated education and legitimised the government’s education policy.

Religious-Based Peer Education in Preeclampsia Prevention: Social Cognitive Theory and Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skill Model Approach to Improve Preeclampsia Preventive Behavior in Indonesia

Background:Preeclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal death, largely due to the failure to identify the condition early. Prevention behaviors for preeclampsia in pregnant women can be developed through the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model. Utilizing religious organizations with unique values and cultures to foster high levels of compliance, a Religious-Based Peer Education approach can optimize these preventive efforts. Objective:This research aims to analyze the influence of knowledge, skills, motivation, observational learning, husband's support, and self-efficacy on the formation of preeclampsia prevention behaviors. Methods:A non-equivalent pre- and post-test design was conducted in Bojonegoro district from August 2022 to February 2023. The sample consisted of 179 pregnant women in the intervention group and 168 in the control group. The intervention involved Religious-Based Peer Education, with peers being members of the Muslimat NU religious organization, while the control group received routine assistance from existing health cadres. Data were analyzed using path analysis. Results:The mean scores for knowledge, skills, and behavior in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (13.81 vs. 12.34; 2.37 vs. 1.95; 30.33 vs. 28.19; p &lt; 0.001). The strongest factors influencing the formation of preeclampsia prevention behavior were screening skills (b = 0.74, p = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.03–0.23) and self-efficacy (b = 0.36, p = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.23–0.48). Conclusion:The SCT and IMB models, when applied through Religious-Based Peer Education, have proven effective in improving preeclampsia prevention behaviors. Ongoing training for peers and consistent support for pregnant women are essential to identify high-risk pregnancies and prevent maternal complications. Keywords: social cognitive theory; information-motivation-behavioral skills model; preeclampsia; religious-based peer education; behavior

Chaplains’ reports of integration in community health initiatives: a qualitative study

Health care and religious organizations have a long history with one another. Chaplains’ investments in the health and wellbeing of their local communities have extended beyond the hospital walls for longer than many chaplains may recognize. However, the published evidence suggests these efforts have been limited. Given the history of health care evolution in the United States, the small evidence of cases highlighting chaplains’ leadership within community health initiatives, and the pressure for health systems to address the social determinants of health, we sought to explore chaplains’ integration in community health and wellness initiatives. This paper presents the results of a qualitative analysis of interviews with chaplains working to promote community health and wellness (n = 10). The identified themes highlight factors at the individual chaplain level, such as how chaplains got involved, characteristics of the chaplains’ contexts, and the impact of chaplains’ involvement.

НЕКОТОРЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПРАВОСЛАВНЫХ СВЯЩЕННОСЛУЖИТЕЛЕЙ В ОБЩЕСТВЕННЫХ НАБЛЮДАТЕЛЬНЫХ КОМИССИЯХ ПО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЮ ПРАВА НА СВОБОДУ ВЕРОИСПОВЕДАНИЯ ПОДСЛЕДСТВЕННЫХ И ОСУЖДЕННЫХ

On January 26, 2024, within the framework of the XXXII International Christmas Educational Readings «Orthodoxy and Domestic Culture: losses and gains of the past, the image of the future», the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation held a round table hearing on the topic «Participation of clergy in the work of public monitoring commissions (ONCS) on public control over ensuring human rights in places of forced detention». The trends of changes in the legal status of the clergy in the penal enforcement system of the Russian Federation are revealed. The main directions and forms of participation of the clergy in the realization of the right of persons under investigation and convicted to freedom of conscience and religion are considered. The report pays special attention to the analysis of the main problems in the implementation of this right in pre-trial detention facilities. Proposals have been made to improve legal regulation and law enforcement practice in the field of interaction between institutions and bodies of the penal enforcement system with traditional centralized religious organizations in Russia