Ethnic congregation segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1][edit | edit source]

1964
United States

Definition[edit | edit source]

Ethnic congregation segregation refers to the practice of separating people of different ethnicities into different religious congregations or places of worship. This segregation can occur due to various reasons, such as cultural differences, language barriers, or historical divisions.

In some cases, ethnic congregation segregation may be a result of voluntary choices made by individuals seeking a sense of community and connection with people who share their cultural background. This can be seen, for example, in immigrant communities where individuals may feel more comfortable worshiping with others who speak the same language or practice similar customs.

However, ethnic congregation segregation can also be the result of systemic discrimination or exclusion based on ethnicity. In these cases, certain groups may be marginalized or denied access to mainstream places of worship, leading them to form their own separate congregations.

There are both positive and negative implications of ethnic congregation segregation. On one hand, it can provide a sense of belonging and connection for marginalized communities, allowing them to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. It can also facilitate religious practices in native languages, enabling better understanding and participation.

On the other hand, ethnic congregation segregation can contribute to social and cultural divisions between different ethnic groups. This segregation can lead to limited interaction and understanding between diverse communities, fueling stereotypes and biases. It may also hinder integration and social cohesion within broader society.

Efforts to reduce ethnic congregation segregation can involve promoting inclusivity and diversity in religious institutions, providing resources for language translation or interpretation, fostering interfaith dialogue and engagement, and addressing systemic barriers that may contribute to segregation.

Ultimately, the aim should be to create an inclusive and tolerant society where individuals of all ethnicities can freely choose to worship together or separately, based on their personal preferences and beliefs.

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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