Throughout history, religious conflict has been a source of devastating turmoil, worldwide. Religion is arguably something that has played the largest role in shaping today’s world, defining history and society. Even currently, religious differences shape perspectives, politics, and fuel more conflicts than not. Tolerance and peace are commodities that are not always widespread even in freedom-based countries such as America.
Religion is a critical part of identity, for many Americans, which makes it a sensitive and controversial topic in a country where there is such diversity of religion. New York City’s Flushing is a neighborhood that is perhaps the epitome of religious diversity; as the birthplace of religious freedom in America, it is a neighborhood rich in religious diversity, boasting several places of worship found on nearly every street corner. On Main Street, one can find a synagogue, and an episcopal church. Down Kissena Boulevard there is a Mosque and a Hindu temple side by side. In 1657, the Flushing Remonstrance granted freedom of worship to the Quaker community. This is considered a precursor to the freedom of religion as stated in the United States Constitution. More than anything, this historical record of tolerance and cooperation serves as a testament to observations that Flushing is a community where cooperation and civility are clearly evident within and between religious institutions.
Flushing is also an excellent example of how people of different ethnicities can come together through religion. New York City is a cultural hotspot, with different languages spoken on every street corner. In Flushing, there is great cooperation not only between religious institutions but within them. Within one church, there are four languages spoken widely; one Mosque hosts ten different nationalities. But their ability to unite illustrates the idea that just as humans are prone or innately born to come into conflict, they are also able to cooperate. A Baptist Church, Hindu temple, Muslim mosque, and Buddhist temple were observed, and all were welcoming and open, testaments to the idea that cooperation is the prevailing characteristic of these religious groups.
Hindu Center– Each religious institution answered a set of questions about their institution and programs. At the Hindu Temple, the head priest Head Priest Vasudhav Kutumbkam reported that there were around 800 members in the temple. While most were Indian, all are welcome. The temple hosts many cultural and religious events, such as the holidays Holi and Diwali. Services are held in Hindi or Sanskrit, mostly, and there are two services on Sundays and Tuesdays in the evenings. The temple, and the priest interviewed were excellent examples of civility and tolerance in the community; they ensured to extend their welcome non-Hindus and the gate was literally open to all. Despite their homogeneity, they were welcoming to non-Hindus.
A hindu god from inside the Hindu Center.
The Muslim Center of NY.
The First Baptist Church Of Flushing- The First Baptist Church of Flushing is decorated with numerous posters and banners proclaiming WELCOME, in enthusiastic letters, to Arabic, Hindi, English, and Spanish speakers. It is perhaps the best example of cooperation in a religious institution in Flushing because it hosts four sermons for four groups of people speaking four languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin. In an interview with the Spanish pastor Raul Latoni, it was learned that there are four congregations. The church has about 800 attendees. Children’s programs are Friday or Sunday, there is summer camp, after school programs, academic SAT prep, martial arts, and a youth group. The four services are in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English. The English sermon is most popular with about 400 members, Cantonese next with about 300, Spanish with around 100 and Mandarin with about 100. Sermons are Sundays and Fridays are the children and youth group meetings. Fridays and Sundays are most popular. But inside the church, there are sections for each sermon and signs in all four languages. All of the four groups are equally catered to, with their own pastors. The members and attendees are very hospitable and responsive to questions, again, from a non-Christian.
Muslim Center of New York– The Muslim community also demonstrated their hospitality to all that entered their doors. The Muslim Center is a beautiful mosque that almost blends in with the multitude of houses that surround it, if not for its green dome shaped minarets and block letters “MUSLIM CENTER OF NY”. Once inside, there are spaces for prayer and a section of the building dedicated to an Islamic school for students. Services are five times a day, but the biggest congregation is Fridays at noon for the Jum’ah prayer. According to a proclamation from the office of the president of the city borough of Queens, the Muslim Center of New York has been serving Muslims of Metropolitan New York since 1975, and has a membership of over fifteen hundred families. It provides daily prayer services, weekend Islamic school, Quranic sessions, Islamic seminars and conferences, a library, and family educational programs and counseling. Their objective is stated as well: “since it’s inception, the Center has been trying to bring the Muslims of Metropolitan New York and its vicinity to brotherhood convergence to establish the Muslim community…” This proclamation, while it is not solely about tolerance, peace, or cooperation with other religions, is signed by the Queens Borough President’s office, perhaps bridging the gap to acknowledge the non-Muslim community.
Happy Buddha Precious Temple– Finally, the Daoist community showed strong colors of tolerance and welcome as well. The Happy Buddha Precious Temple has about 60 members, with adult and youth classes offered for members. Their two services are Wednesdays and Sundays, which are the busiest times, and services are in English and Chinese. The temple made sure to emphasize that it is welcome to all. While the majority of attendees are Chinese, the temple is a host to a myriad of languages- Fujianese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Mandarin, and there are some African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians that attend as well.
As world follows the pattern of increased globalization, either conflict or cooperation is likely to come about in matters of religion, and Flushing, the epicenter of religious activity, is a prime example of the latter prevailing between religions.
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