Religious Organizations Research Articles

The prevalence of child sexual abuse perpetrated by leaders or other adults in religious organizations in Australia

BackgroundNumerous national public inquiries have highlighted the problem of child sexual abuse in religious organizations. Despite this, evidence of population-wide prevalence is scarce. ObjectiveTo provide the first nationally representative prevalence estimates of child sexual abuse perpetrated by adults in religious organizations in Australia. MethodsThe Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) surveyed 8503 people aged 16 and over about their experiences of child maltreatment. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated based on responses to the child sexual abuse questions from the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2: Adapted Version (ACMS). ResultsOne in 250 people reported being sexually abused as a child by an adult in a religious organization (0.4 %, 95 % CI, 0.3–0.6 %). Men reported significantly higher rates of child sexual abuse by these perpetrators (0.8 %, 95 % CI, 0.5–1.2 %), compared to women (0.1 %, 95 % CI, 0–0.3 %). This type of sexual abuse was overwhelmingly perpetrated by men (0.4 %, 95 % CI, 0.3–0.6 %), compared to women (0 %, 95 % CI, 0–0.1 %), and was substantially more often experienced in Catholic organizations (71.9 %) than other Christian denominations or other religions. Prevalence of child sexual abuse in religious organizations has declined over time (2.2 % of men 65 years and older, compared with 0.2 % of 16–24-year-old men). ConclusionsChild sexual abuse has been widespread in religious organizations in Australia. A decline over time indicates progress has been made in preventing sexual abuse of children. Religious organizations must take all reasonable measures to prevent child sexual abuse, with a particular need for interventions targeting male leaders, and organizational cultures.

The Constitutionality of Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK) Application to Community Organisations in Indonesia

The management of natural resources, including minerals and coal, is governed by the principle that these resources are controlled by the state and used as much as possible for the prosperity of the people, the constitutionality of Article 33 Section (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (1945 Constitution). This principle places the state as the main manager responsible for fair and sustainable exploitation. A Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK) is a license that allows certain parties to manage mining in a certain area, regulated in Law Section 4 of 2009 and its derivative regulations. The decision of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to be involved in mining has significant economic, social, and environmental implications. Its economy can increase organizational income, create jobs, and support social programs; its social strengthens the role of the organization in positive change by promoting fair work standards; However, environmental challenges require strict standards to prevent damage. The granting of mining permits is regulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 25 of 2024, which aims to provide financial independence for religious organizations. However, strict monitoring is needed to mitigate negative impacts such as pollution, social change, and health impacts. From a constitutional perspective, licensing must adhere to the principles of social justice, transparency, and environmental protection to ensure fair and sustainable benefits for society.

Educational and Charitable Activities of Baptist Christians: On the Example of the Religious Organization of Evangelical Christians Baptists, Called 'Church of the Nativity,' in Zhytomyr

Educational and Charitable Activities of Baptist Christians: On the Example of the Religious Organization of Evangelical Christians Baptists, Called 'Church of the Nativity,' in Zhytomyr

Reviving Zakat and Waqf Institutions for Sustainable Community Developmentin Gombe State, Nigeria

This paper aims to examine the current state of Zakat and Waqf institutions in Gombe State, Nigeria, and proposes measures for their revival for sustainable community development. The paper also covers a brief overview of the Islamic institutions of Waqf and Zakat, their importance in advancing social welfare and community development, and the present difficulties these organizations face in Gombe State, such as poor funding, improper management, and low public awareness. This study used a qualitative research design, collecting data through interviews and a review of the literature, and evaluating the data using content analysis. The study discovered that in order to revitalize these organizations and realize their full potential, a comprehensive strategy involving cooperation between government agencies, religious organizations, and the community must be looked in to. This strategy entails creating an efficient administration system, creating a thorough legislative framework for Waqf and Zakat, and raising public awareness through outreach and education initiatives.

Strategies to Increase Professional Zakat Awareness among Civil Servants in West Java

This study explores strategies to enhance professional zakat awareness among civil servants in West Java through a quantitative analysis involving 150 participants. Employing SPSS version 25 for data analysis, the research identifies key factors influencing zakat awareness, including socio-economic background, religious education, and the effectiveness of zakat campaigns. The findings highlight significant correlations between these factors and zakat awareness, suggesting that tailored educational programs and targeted communication strategies can effectively improve awareness and compliance. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and religious organizations aiming to boost zakat contributions among civil servants, ultimately supporting socio-economic development in West Java.

Kepercayaan Konsumen terhadap Intensi Membeli dengan Rekomendasi sebagai Moderator pada Pelayanan Jasa Instagram TandaSalib.com

Since the post-COVID-19 pandemic, religious organizations have transformed into the era of digitalization, with the marketing of these products and services such as mental health, self-development, and spirituality developed far beyond before. On the other hand, competitive products on tandasalib.com have contributed both in terms of spirituality and personality development to answer psycho spiritual questions. The exogenous variable in this study is consumer confidence, the endogenous variable is buying intention and the moderator variable is recommendation. The purpose of the research is on Instagram digital products that are fast in having followers, moreover, the endorsement of artists will get the intention of visitors, to see, read, and decide to buy a program offered, the population in this study reaches 4,000 followers, but those registered in the tandasalib.com are around 600, So after calculating with a calculator size sample, a sample of 250 respondents was obtained. The design of the research method used is descriptive quantitative with a cross-sectional approach, the distribution of questionnaires using Google Forms, and accidental sampling methods. Research analysis with Structural Equation Modelling. The results of the research The first hypothesis has the influence of trust on buying intention with the recommendation moderator, the second hypothesis has the impact of consumer trust on purchase intention and the third hypothesis influences recommendation on buying intention.

OLD BELIEVER COMMUNITIES OF VITEBSK REGION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1980S – 2020S

The article characterizes the state of the Old Believer communities in the territory of Vitebsk region in the second half of the 1980s – 2020s. During this period the region was the absolute leader in the number of Old Believer religious associations in the country. In the confessional history of Belarus, the mid-1980s is marked by the revitalization of religious life, which was caused by perestroika measures. However, these processes had little impact on the activities of the Old Believers' associations of the region. The article reveals the regularities of functioning of the Old Believers' communities in the region in the second half of the 1980s. The peculiarities of state-confessional relations in this period are noted. More significant changes in the religious landscape of the region were caused by the independence of Belarus and the adoption of new legislation that regulated the activities of religious communities. The paper shows the process of formation (registration) of new Old Believer religious organizations in the 1990s, characterizes their situation in the 1990 – 2020s, and analyzes quantitative indicators.

Urgensi Pemberian Izin Pengelolaan Tambang bagi Organisasi Kemasyarakatan "Keagamaan" di Indonesia: Analisis Regulasi dalam PP Nomor 25 Tahun 2024

Government Regulation No. 25/2024 on the Amendment to Government Regulation No. 96/2021 on the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities has sparked heated debate in Indonesia. One of the controversial points is the provision that allows religious community organizations to obtain mining business licenses, which is contrary to Law No. 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining. The writing of this research uses normative legal research methods that emphasize in-depth study of laws and regulations that exist in society. This research was conducted to find out how the form of decisions on mass organizations that apply for licenses in PP No. 25 of 2024 and how efforts to apply for WIUPK by mass organizations according to PP No. 25 of 2024 and Law No. 3 of 2020. The research that will be outlined in the form of this article is entitled "The Urgency of Granting Mining Management Permits for "Religious" Mass Organizations in Indonesia: Regulatory Analysis in Government Regulation Number 25 of 2024" aims to examine these provisions in depth. This journal will analyze the urgency of granting mining permits for religious mass organizations, with an emphasis on the regulatory aspects contained in PP No. 25 of 2024.

Culture and Public Support for Violence Against Children in Six Nations

This study explores the link between culture and support for violence against children in six South Asian (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) and European (Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden) countries. Utilizing data from the World Values Survey, it tests three hypotheses based on modernization theory. Results reveal that various measures of secularism are negatively associated with support for violence against children. For instance, individuals not affiliated with any religious organizations are more inclined to reject such violence. Similarly, belief that God is not important in life and respect for authority is a bad thing are linked to reduced support for violence against children. Moreover, post-materialist values show a negative correlation with violence. However, there is also evidence of rejection of violence against children among adherents of traditional values. The study does not discern a consistent cross-cultural pattern of association, suggesting that the spillover effects of secular value orientations are more complex than initially expected.

Pelatihan Manajemen Usaha untuk Peningkatan Kapasitas Internal Pengusaha Perempuan

Aisyiyah is a social, religious and community organization that was founded in 1917. One of its programs is the economic sector. The Aisyiyah Regional Leadership Economic and Employment Council (MEK PDA) of Bantul Regency has implemented the 'Aisyiyah Entrepreneurial School (SWA) program which aims to provide training to the people of Bantul regarding entrepreneurship so as to build a creative economic atmosphere. Since 2019, these SWA alumni have developed their businesses as a group in various businesses in the community in the Aisyiyah Entrepreneurs Association (IPAS), or currently called the Aisyiyah Merchants and Entrepreneurs Association (ISWARA). This Business Management Training Program aims to increase the internal capacity of ISWARA member female entrepreneurs. It was determined that 30 people (out of a total of 70 active members) were invited to take part in the training series. Business management training is designed as a complete package of material, including: financial management, business promotion in the digital era, teamwork, and strengthening business actuating. The training was carried out by a team of instructors from the UII Community Service Institute (lecturers from the Management Study Program, Faculty of Business and Economics, UII). The results of the training pretest and post-test showed significant progress; namely an average increase of 1.81 (close to a score of 2.0); in addition to motivation and enthusiasm to develop the business further through clever methods, such as neater finances, promotions using digital media, solid teamwork, and business resilience that is developed continuously.

A validation study for measuring Asian- and Hispanic-serving sociocultural institutions in neighborhoods using business listing data and potential implications for health

Ethnic enclaves influence the health of Asian American and Hispanic or Latinx/a/o populations, likely via neighborhood social, economic, and built environments. To facilitate studies aiming to disentangle these specific neighborhood mechanisms, we describe the creation and validation of two novel measures—Asian-serving and Hispanic-serving sociocultural institutions (SCIs)—to estimate the social, cultural, and economic character of ethnic enclaves in California. Business listing data were used to identify SCIs or businesses that promote cultural and social identity, including arts, civic, historical, religious, social service, and membership organizations. Keyword searches of business names were used to identify potential Asian- or Hispanic-serving SCIs. An online audit of 1,627 businesses within 12 cities confirmed the validity of using keyword searches to assess whether census tracts were high or low in Asian- or Hispanic-serving SCIs (sensitivity: 63%–100%, specificity: 86%–95%; positive predictive value: 63%–89%). In exploratory regression analyses, high presence of SCIs (compared to low presence) may be associated with neighborhood-level health indicators, including greater percentages of residents who had an annual checkup in majority Asian census tracts and lower percentages of residents who were current smokers in majority Asian and Hispanic census tracts. This approach advances methodology in measurement of neighborhood sociocultural environments.

The State, Religion, and Violence in Colonial and Postcolonial Malawi

In the histories of both colonial and postcolonial Malawi, there have been cases of religious-related violence, both in its physical and non-physical forms. Such cases have led to the deaths of the “perpetrators” of violence and ‘innocent’ believers, destruction of property, prison detentions, and even the forced removal of citizens from the country. This paper analyzes two case studies, one in which private citizens perpetrated the violence, led by a preacher called John Chilembwe, of the Providence Industrial Mission (PIM), challenging British colonial authorities during the second decade of the twentieth century. In the second case, the focus is on the independent Malawi government, which used violence against members of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) religious sect from the early 1960s to the early 1990s, owing to the Witnesses’ disassociation from the demands of the secular state. Using data primarily drawn from various archives and other published studies, this paper argues that the use of ‘religious-based violence’ is not just a domain ‘reserved’ for those experiencing oppression, exclusion, and marginalization. Rather, authoritarian governments, like the one that emerged in postcolonial Malawi and other parts of Africa, also resorted to using ‘religious-based violence’ to serve as a tool for eliminating ‘non-conforming’ religious sects and organizations. In doing so, this paper contributes to the various fields of scholarship, including the relationship between religion and violence in modern Africa and the dynamics and operations of the state in both colonial and postcolonial Africa.

Barriers and Attitudes towards Mental Health Services in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Mental health services in Nigeria consists mainly of large government psychiatric hospitals. There are eight Neuropsychiatric hospitals and a similar number of teaching hospital psychiatric departments for a population of 200 million people. There is only one private community residential facility available with ten beds in Lagos State and it is administered by a religious organization for rehabilitation of persons with drug problems.In Nigeria, an estimated 20-30%of the population are believed to suffer from mental disorders.MEDLINE EntrezPubmed search was done in November, 2018. Studies conducted on mental health and mental health services in Nigeria done from 2009 till date were selected for review. The studies were grouped into two categories according to the key words used in the search. Category 1: Keywords used in the search: mental health,Nigeria.This search yielded a total of one thousand and fifty (1,051) publications. Category 2: Keywords used in the search: mental health services,Nigeria. Lack of incentives for health care workers and inadequate workforce were identified as some of the barriers against the use of mental health services in Nigeria. Other major barriers identified were- poor education, ignorance, and stigmatization. Absence of services in rural communities, waiting time at the facilities, bureaucracy in treatment and poor information management, high cost of service, travel distance, feelings of shame and loss of productive income were the barriers identified in some other studies conducted in Nigeria.

Effectiveness of Grant Fund Management to Religious Organizations in Kotabaru Regency

The effectiveness and benefits of the Kalimantan Selatan provincial grant funds distributed to a number of recipients depend heavily on how the grant recipients use the budget to be reflected in the activity report which should be submitted along with the financial statements of the use of the grant, in addition to being able to explain the use of the budget, the grant recipients also have to create letters of accountability if the budget is used how its effectiveness, the grant recipient must report the activities, benefits, and for what the budget is used. The problems in this research are lack of coordination, socialization, information, and illegal levies. The purpose of this research is to know and analyze The Effectiveness of the Management of Grants in the Kalimantan Selatan Province Regency. This research uses Organizational Theory according by using descriptive qualitative method. The results of the research that the Bureau of Public Welfare of the Secretariat of the Province of Kalimantan Selatan is not optimal in doing the Coordination, Process, Regulation, adjust the existing problems, socialization, environmental utilization which is often different, adjust the situation in the field, therefore the absence of conformity in Institution / Foundation and Bureau People's Welfare Regional Secretariat of Kalimantan Selatan Province. Strive for Grant Fund in Kalimantan Selatan Province to pay more attention to the Coordination, Socialization, Process, Regulation and adjust the existing problems, the utilization of the environment is often different.

Repositioning Religious Organization Activism in The Digital Era

The rise of the digital world poses a challenge to the position of religious organizations. This is evident in the emergence of new authorities, both individuals and groups, outside traditional religious structures. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), a mainstream traditional organization, has also been impacted by this shift. However, several studies indicate that NU has effectively adapted to various challenges and situations over time. This analysis focuses on how NU, as a representative of traditional mainstream Islamic organizations, has repositioned itself in response to the digital era, using the example of its activities in Mojokerto. This work addresses two key issues: first, how NU adapts to the presence of social media; second, what strategies NU employs to reposition itself in the face of these new challenges on social media. To explore these questions, this work employs a qualitative methodology, collecting data through interviews, observations, and documentation. The data is then analyzed and presented using a digital religion approach. The findings suggest that NU has repositioned itself in two main ways. First, through adaptation, by adopting and actively using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube via the organization’s official accounts. Second, through a form of resistance, by having NU activists engage on social media without prominently displaying their organizational affiliation.

Religiosity, transcendent accountability, and civic engagement

Religiosity, transcendent accountability, and civic engagement Academic experts from Baylor University and Pepperdine University explore religiosity, transcendent accountability, and civic engagement. Civic engagement has declined considerably in America since Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political scientist, visited the United States in 1831 and observed the unique tendency toward volunteerism and the role it played in American civic life and culture. He wrote extensively about the inclination of American citizens to form voluntary associations of all types, including religious, community, and political organizations that contributed to volunteerism.

Implications of Hamka’s thoughts in tafsir al-Azhar on the standpoint of Islamic social organizations in preventing authoritarianism in Indonesia

Indonesian Islamic social organizations not only function as religious organizations but they serve as interest groups as well. Islamic social organizations are often faced with a dilemma of engaging in practical political matters or otherwise. This study analyzes thoughts and practices relating to the relationship between Islamic social organizations and the state. Study data were mined from Hamka’s thoughts in his seminal work Tafsir al-Azhar and historical documents of Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia – MUI) during the early period of the New Order, i.e., 1970-1980. The research questions posed in this study refer to how did Hamka interpret Qur’anic verses containing messages regarding the relationship between society and state and what are their implications on the practices of Indonesian Islamic social organizations in their relational dynamics with the state. Study results indicate that Hamka’s thoughts in Tafsir al-Azhar consider syura (deliberation) as a determinant in the relationship between society and state, and distinction between state and religious authority. The implications that Hamka’s thoughts had on the standpoint of Muhammadiyah as an Islamic social organization was its ability to separate itself from its political party affiliation. Muhammadiyah until 1960s was a special member of the Masyumi party. Following its separation with the Masyumi party, Muhammadiyah became an independent non-government civil institution that is critical of the state. As a civil institution, Muhammadiyah succeeded in playing its role as a civil society organization (CSO) and keeping the political regime to develop into an authoritarian and repressive state.

Konversi Agama di Kalangan Milenial

This paper raises a story which is the experience of a person's conversion from the religion he adhered to since childhood which has been passed down from generation to generation and appears with a new religion, namely Felix Siauw. Felix Siauw is a convert who is now an ustadz who is active in preaching. Felix Siauw's journey of hijrah as a form of religious conversion went through quite a long stage. He was in a phase of anxiety about the presence of God, then went through a phase of God's presence in his life, which ultimately led him to the stage of religious conversion until he joined a religious organization. In the process of his migration he was influenced by various factors which ultimately made him carry out a total religious conversion, including the factors of conflict, emotions, adolescence, and will. This paper aims to describe the phenomenon of Felix Siauw's migration in terms of religious conversion, both traditional and contemporary conversions. In this study, the authors used the literature study method both from book sources, journals, news, and videos that were relevant to the research object.

Pelanggaran Hak Asasi dalam Rumah Tangga Perspektif Hukum Keluarga Islam dan Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Positif Indonesia

This study aims to analyze violations of human rights within the household from the perspectives of Islamic family law and the Positive Law of Indonesia. The research methodology employed is a descriptive-analytical approach, involving data collection from various sources such as literature, legal documents, and case studies. The findings indicate that violations of human rights within the household often occur in various forms, including physical, psychological, and sexual violence, and neglect. In the context of Islamic family law, principles of justice, equality, and family welfare serve as guidelines for addressing cases of human rights violations within the household. On the other hand, the Positive Law of Indonesia provides a strong legal framework for protecting individual rights within the household, although its implementation may require further improvement. Therefore, collaborative efforts among legal institutions, civil society, and religious organizations are necessary to enhance awareness, protection, and enforcement of human rights within the context of the household.

Is religion beneficial for mental health? A 9-year longitudinal study

Background/ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the within-person and between-person effects of religious variables on mental health and vice versa. MethodUsing a large sample of adults residing in Germany from the GESIS Panel study (N = 8146), the random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. Data on six dimensions of religion (i.e., membership in a religious community; attendance at a place of worship; frequency of prayers; importance of religion in life; and participation in a religious organization) and three indicators of mental health (i.e., depression symptoms, happiness, and life satisfaction) were collected. ResultsThe findings revealed that there is almost no evidence of lagged effects of religion on mental health and limited evidence regarding the role of mental health in influencing the dimensions of religion. Moreover, at the between-person level, there was some evidence of significant covariance between the trait-like components, indicating stable, trait-like differences between persons on religion and mental health. ConclusionsThe beneficial effect of religion on mental health may have been exaggerated in previous research.