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Ruth DeSouza » Faith Faith and faith communitiesThe incidents of terrorism in the United States and the war in Iraq have increased the awareness of religious diversity and faith communities in “Western countries”. However, little is known about members of ethno-religious diasporic communities and how they maintain their faiths/religions once they migrate and what how their religion plays a part in sustaining them through the migration process. This is especially the case when religion provides spiritual resources for managing the psychological effects of migration and assisting with enduring the hardship of migration and settlement in a new country. As a migrant brought up in the Catholic faith, religion played a critical role in my own integration in New Zealand while also providing support to my parents in managing the transition of living in a new country. Importantly agencies such as the Human Rights Commission are beginning to realise the importance of engaging with faith communities as much as with other sectors of society, such as ethnic communities. Faith communities like ethnic communities also have a tradition of working with their members and others to foster community development. General linksThe links below provide some useful starting points for further exploration.
New Zealand links and interfaith initiatives
Faith and healthThere is a need to recognise the importance of faith as a marker of self-identity. Debate is rife about whether there should be faith centred health and social policy initiatives to improve health outcomes for faith communities, who have been shown to experience health inequalities (for example Muslims in the United Kingdom). While, there have been developments to address inequalities experienced by minority ethnic communities, some would argue that religious discrimination is equally significant and should not be denied..
Opinions and discussionsWith the new world order appearing to be more "warring" and fortress mentalities developing everywhere (Hage). I am interested in how we all get along in multicultural diasporic societies. These are some links to opinion leaders, community leaders and academics in the area of race and religious relations.
Progressive Islam
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Copyright © 2003-2007 Ruth DeSouza. All rights reserved. Contact: ruth[at]wairua.com. |
