Cultural Diversity Resource Pack for Faith Communities in Stockton 2017 ce & Ethn a ic lief R it Be y & h G it en a d e F r
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Children and Young People Big plans for the young people of our Borough Contents
Sections Page
Purpose of Booklet 2
Understanding British Society 2
Understanding Faith and Belief Background’s 5
Intercultural Awareness and Social Conventions 7
What Can Colleagues Do to Value Different Faiths, Beliefs and Cultures? 8
Buddhism 10
Christianity 14
Hinduism 18
Islam 22
Judaism 26
Sikhism 30
Faith and Belief Organisations in Stockton-on-Tees and across the Tees Valley 33
National Faith and Belief Organisations 35
Language Identifier 37
Useful Resources 38
1 Purpose of Booklet
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and British Values, community cohesion and respect for equakity and equality and diversity across the Borough. This commitment reflects ‘British Values’ the current legislative frameworks and is expressed in the policies and practices of all services. This guidance is aimed at helping colleagues in to be more knowledgeable about the main features of different cultures and religious traditions to increase their confidence in discussing needs and exploring a dialogue about different faiths and beliefs. Having a better understanding of different religious traditions and cultures will help colleagues to value and respect them, but of course, there is no substitute for asking the individual. Given the diversity within Stockton-on-Tees and the positive impact increased cultural awareness can make stronger cohesive communities. It is important for colleagues to seek more information about the people they serve. This resource booklet is intended to help inform that process. For more details please contact the Diversity Team on: [email protected] or (01642) 528830.
Understanding British Society and Values
Development of Multi-Cultural Cohesive Society Britain as a multi-ethnic and multi-faith society is not a recent phenomenon; Britain is an island of immigrants. Modern humans migrated out of Africa 55,000-60,000 years ago and gradually spread throughout Europe including Britain. Waves of invasion and settlement from the Roman Occupation to the Norman Invasion of 1066 mean that the Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Danes and French have all influenced Britain’s cultural development for over 1000 years. There is significant debate about the morality of the British Empire and modern society rightly condemns the slave trade and Britain’s role in it. However, what is not disputed is the Empire and Slave Trade’s cultural influence on our society. Through Empire, many peoples of different nations, cultures and faiths settled in Britain and, consequently, influenced our national character. Once slavery was abolished across the British Empire in 1833, any slave who lived or set foot on British soil immediately became free. As a result, small black communities grew up in London, Bristol, Liverpool and Cardiff in particular, throughout the 19th century. Many local communities have ethnic populations due to particular local economies. For example South Shields has been home to a Yemeni British community since the 1890s. The main reason for the Yemeni arrival was the supply of seamen to British merchant vessels. Similar communities were founded in Hull, Liverpool and Cardiff. In the 1950s, many people emigrated from the newly formed Commonwealth, from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Africa and the Caribbean. Many of these immigrants had fought for Britain in the First and Second World War and their descendents are now at least 5th generation British citizens. Immigration from the Commonwealth has continued on a smaller scale since then. The extension of the European Union at the beginning of the 21st century has seen many people from Eastern European nations come to Britain, whilst ongoing wars and racial and religious persecutions in many parts of the world, have led to an increase in people seeking asylum.
2 Development of Multi-Faith Society In some ways, Britain has been a multi-faith society since the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Queen Elizabeth I made Protestantism, through the Church of England, the State religion. However, other faiths did persist; Protestants who were not Church of England (Nonconformists), Roman Catholics and, from 1657, Jews. Over time, laws developed encouraging religious toleration and by 1858, members of any religion were free to worship in Britain and had equal political rights, though it still remains the case that no Roman Catholic can inherit the throne nor can a monarch marry a Roman Catholic, under the Act of Settlement 1701. However, this law is currently under review (2013). According to Ofsted, British values are: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. As of November 2014, schools must now promote British values. Advice from the DfE is to do so through SMSC, though Ofsted will assess it through the curriculum too. In its press release on 27 November 2014, the Department for Education told all schools to promote 'British values' and produced advice for doing so through spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC). Ofsted wants to see a school ethos and climate that promotes 'British values' at every level. Inspectors will assess 'British values' through SMSC, the curriculum and school leadership. And Ofsted now pays a lot of attention to SMSC when deciding whether your school is 'outstanding', 'inadequate' or somewhere in between. www.gov.uk/government/publications/promoting-fundamental-british-values-through-smsc
2E0t1h1n iCciety nsus for England and Wales: Ethnicity Percentage Population White British 81
Asian/Asian British 7.5
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British 3.3
Mixed British 2.1
White Other 5.2
Other Ethnic Groups 1.0
Source: Office for National Statistics Data Visualisation Centre 2011 Census for Stockton-on-Tees: Ethnicity
Ethnicity Percentage Population
White British 94.6
Asian/Asian British 3.5
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British 0.6
Mixed British 1.0
White Other 0.1
Other Ethnic Groups 0.3
3 Worldwide: Religion
Religion Percentage Population
Christian 33.4
No religion 11.67
Muslim 22.7
Hindu 13.8
Sikh 0.35
Jewish 0.22
Buddhist 6.8
Source: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook, February 2013 2011 Census for England and Wales: Religion
Religion Percentage Population
Christian 59.3
No religion 25.1
Muslim 4.8
Hindu 1.5
Sikh 0.8
Jewish 0.5
Buddhist 0.4
Source: Office for National Statistics 2011 Census for Stockton-on-Tees: Religion
Religion Percentage Population
Christian 68.2
No religion 22.4
Muslim 2.2
Hindu 0.4
Sikh 0.3
Jewish 0 .03
Buddhist 0.2
Source: Office for National Statistics
4 Understanding Faiths and Belief Background’s
In order to appreciate, and respond to the needs of, colleagues and clients from minority ethnic and religious communities, it is important to have an understanding of the main religious traditions practised across Britain and the effects on lifestyles these beliefs may have. There are different levels of adherence amongst religious believers and beliefs are affected as much, if not more, by culture and upbringing as by theology. Just as many Christians seldom attend church, so many Muslims seldom go to Mosque, Sikhs to Gurdwara etc. Festivals and food rules tend to be the elements of religion honoured by all believers, regardless of the strength of their adherence. There are trends across all the religions: there are traditionalists who practise their religious beliefs in the ways of their parents and grandparents; there are liberals/modernists who adapt their faith to align to the values of the modern world e.g. liberal synagogues with female rabbis and Anglican Christians with gay bishops; there are charismatics who emphasise spiritual gifts e.g. Sufi Muslims experiencing trances; there are fundamentalists who believe in the absolute truth of their religion and its holy book e.g. Bible or Evangelical Christians. There are inclusion and good management reasons for colleagues to understand the cultural and faith backgrounds of all their residents/clients. This knowledge will assist with the promotion of an ethos and an environment where all customers feel that their background, heritage, language and faith are recognised and valued. It will help teams in making appropriate provision for specific requirements, and in developing appropriate policies. Effective monitoring can then ensure that no individual is disadvantaged or treated less favourably on account of their faith/culture. For example in schools: In school, experiences may be conditioned by faith, belief and culture. Religious observance may affect school attendance, the take-up of out-of-hours school activities and attendance at events such as parents’ evenings. Pupils’ faith may therefore be a consideration for schools in the planning of activities and events such as school trips and key dates. Pupils’ faith or perceptions of pupils’ faith could also be a factor in aspects of intolerant behaviour and bullying. Some minority ethnic families live in sizeable communities which may provide a shared sense of identity. Others may live in isolated circumstances with little access to places of worship, advocacy forums and role models. The needs of all these must be met through consultation and ongoing dialogue with residents and community leaders.
A Note About Language It is important to remember that in a diverse society we all need to make sure that our language is sensitive and relevant and that we do not use words or phrases that could offend people, either intentionally or unintentionally. Sensitivity to other people’s beliefs and cultures includes being aware that using the name of God (however expressed) as a swear word often causes offence. If you are unsure about certain words or phrases that may cause offence, please contact the Diversity team on 01642 528334
5 A Note About Non-Belief In the 2001 Census, 7.7 million people in England and Wales identified themselves as having no religion, but by the census of 2011 this figure had nearly doubled to just over 14 million people. It is therefore just as important to respect non-belief. Source: 2001 and 2011 Census for England and Wales, Office for National Statistics Some non-believers are atheists (believing there is no God). Some non-believers may be members of the National Secular Society or the British Humanist Association who define themselves as people who believe “that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity”. Source: The British Humanist Association http://humanism.org.uk/humanism/ Many non-believers are agnostics; they are unsure about religion and believe that there is insufficient evidence to decide whether or not God exists. It used to be the case that most people were at least in contact with religion for the important rites of passage at birth, marriage and death, but it is now almost two hundred years since the establishment of Register Offices and municipal cemeteries made it possible to experience life without religion.
A Note About Dates The date of Jesus’ birth was established after the actual event and there is not complete agreement about the actual date. The Gregorian calendar assumed that from the moment of Jesus’ birth it became the Year of Our Lord 1 (AD) Anno Domini. The years preceding this are referred to as BC (Before Christ). AD/BC is sometimes alternatively referred to as the BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). (B)CE is often preferred by those who desire a term that does not explicitly use religious titles. However the terminology used does not change the actual date and the reference point is still the birth of Christ. The use of CE/BCE is limited and rarely occurs in British speech. Television, radio, newspapers, most non-academic books use the AD/BC terms much more frequently. Some historical and theological academic works use the CE/BCE designations and the BBC uses CE/BCE. The AD/BC system is used by hundreds of millions of non-Christians across the world as the calendar used by the West has become used globally for economic and communication purposes.
6 Inter-Cultural Awareness and Social Conventions
It is important to be aware of differences in values, attitudes and beliefs so that misunderstandings may be avoided. General considerations are noted below but it is important to get to know your client group well to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Greetings In some cultures people commonly greet each other with kisses. However, in other cultures people may find even a pat of approval unusual and upsetting. However, a warm, friendly but relatively formal greeting is always appropriate.
Gestures Non-verbal communication such as the use of the eyes, the hands and the body differ from one culture to another. Using the thumb and the forefinger to form a circle expressing OK, is a very rude gesture in some Middle Eastern countries. The thumbs up sign may mean nothing or appear rude. Pointing at people is not acceptable in some cultures. It is important to be aware of body language and the signals it may give.
Eye-Contact Asian women are expected to be modest – their dress, their speech and their look. Many women lower their gaze and face away when talking to someone of the opposite sex or when showing respect for an older person, whereas in the West this might be regarded as an act of rudeness.
Dress code There are noticeable cultural differences in levels of formality, dress for boys and girls and use of cosmetics etc. For example: people arriving from some Asian countries may be used to more formal dress codes compared to other cultures. Certain situations may cause difficulty for people for whom culture or faith requires certain dress codes.
Punctuality and Attendance Attitudes to punctuality and attendance may vary greatly from one culture to another. Some Asian cultures have a very relaxed philosophy about keeping time, e.g. if an appointment is not kept today then tomorrow will do. However, such an attitude cannot possibly work in England where the clock governs people’s lives. It is important to explain the times and the need for punctuality. It is also important to explain the need for regular attendance if required.
Social interaction Modes of social interaction can differ significantly across cultures. Members of some cultures may seem loud or boisterous to members of quieter cultures. This explains some differences in the amount and kind of participation in other activities. It is customary in some cultures to wait for a pause in the conversation before speaking. However, in other cultures, people may overlap in each other’s conversation.
7 Some new arrivals may not be used to group work and it is important to provide a safe environment for this. In some cultures it is customary to offer an answer to a question only when invited to. In many cultures, children must show great respect to older people, teachers and other adults. That respect may be demonstrated by avoiding eye contact which may appear disrespectful. Members of some cultures require more personal space than others and become uncomfortable when someone moves into that space. However, moving away may be seen as rejection and cause insult.
What can Colleagues do to Value Different Faiths, Beliefs and Cultures?
General • Become well informed. If you are not sure, ask appropriate and relevant questions and find out more information. • For newly-arrived people, ensure that meetings take place where information, including first language, can be gathered. • Be aware of, and explicitly recognise, key festivals and celebrations of different cultures. Be aware that some festivals and cultures are not aligned to religion such as the Chinese New Year celebrations. • Ask people how they would like to be addressed, how to pronounce their name and how to spell it. • As not everyone is Christian, use the term ‘first name’ not ‘Christian name’. • Recognise that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and avoid comparing our own ideals with other people’s ideals. • Represent fairly other people’s beliefs and practices and avoid disparagement. • Correct misunderstanding or misrepresentations, not only of our own but also of other faiths, whenever we come across them. • Respect the right of others to disagree with our beliefs and practices. • Be aware that racial, cultural and ethnic identities are often inter-related with religion/faith • Understand that religion/belief may be sometimes a stronger motivator for discriminatory sentiment and behaviour than race, culture or ethnicity. • Recognise and guard against your own prejudices; everyone has them. • Realise that treating everyone in the same way may not be the same thing as treating everyone fairly e.g. rules about wearing of jewellery – Sikhs often wear a bangle called a Kara as they believe they were commanded to wear it at all times by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. • Do not assume that ethnicity means membership of a particular religion. There are Pakistani Christians for example.
8 • Do not assume that people are happy to talk openly about their faith. • Use the word ‘some’ to avoid stereotyping, e.g. ‘Some Christians believe…’
Display Welcome, signs and accessible information A welcome display in the reception area of a building is inviting. It sends out a clear signal that SBC respects all cultures and languages; it makes staff and visitors aware of the Local Authority’s ethos and respect for equality and diversity. For example:‘Where in the world?’ display illustrating the diversity within Stockton. You may want to use: • A world map • Arrows or pieces of string • Photos of various children (with their parents’ permission) • Captions written in the visitors home languages as well as English • Hearing loops
9 Buddhism
Origins Buddhism originated in northern India in the 5th century BC (around 2,500 years ago). Buddhism, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. There are 376 million followers worldwide.
Key Beliefs • There is no belief in a personal god. Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent and that change is always possible. The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom. • Buddhists seek to reach a state of nirvana, following the teachings and path of the Buddha. • The Teaching (or Dharma) is symbolised through the four Noble Truths: the Buddha is often compared to a physician. In the first two Noble Truths he diagnoses the problem (suffering) and identifies its cause. The third Noble Truth is realising that there is a cure and the fourth identifies how to cure the problem. • Karma is a concept encountered in several Eastern religions, although having different meanings. In Buddhism, teachings about karma explain that our past actions affect us. For Buddhists, karma has implications beyond this life. Bad actions in a previous life can follow a person into their next life and cause bad effects (which Westerners are more likely to interpret as ‘bad luck’). NB: See Stockton-on-Tees Agreed Syllabus for Secondary RE Unit Evil and Suffering’ for teaching ideas.
Holy Writings There is no single book of Buddhist scripture. As Buddhists do not worship a Deity, the scripture is not regarded as holy. The texts are respected for their content and the insights they provide but they have no spiritual association. Sutra is the name applied to the various documents that serve as scripture. One scripture is the Tipitaka, written in an ancient Indian language called Pali close to the language that the Buddha himself spoke. The Tripitaka is a very large book; the English translation of it takes up nearly forty volumes.
Places of Worship Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. It is not considered essential to go to a temple to worship with others. No specific day of the week is sacred but full moon and new moon days are considered especially appropriate for worship.
Temple Buddhist temples come in many shapes. Perhaps the best known are the pagodas of China and Japan. Another typical Buddhist building is the Stupa, which is a stone structure, built over what
10 are thought to be relics of the Buddha, or over copies of the Buddha’s teachings. All Buddhist temples contain an image or statue of Buddha.
At Home Buddhists will often set aside a room or a part of a room as a shrine. There will be a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner.
Holy Days and Festivals There are many holy days and festivals, some celebrated by all and some celebrated in particular countries. Some of the most important holy days/festivals are noted below: • Wesak – the most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death. • Sangha Day - the second most important Buddhist festival. It is a celebration in honour of the Sangha, or the Buddhist community • Songkran – celebrated in Thailand and also known as the Thai Water Festival. Thai people sprinkle water on the elders in a show of respect and pay respect to Buddha images. • Parinirvana – This is a Buddhist festival that marks the death of the Buddha. It is also known as Nirvana Day. Buddhists celebrate the death of the Buddha, because they believe that having attained Enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its sufferings.
Practices Meditation In Buddhism the person meditating is not trying to get into a hypnotic state or contact angels or any other supernatural entity. In the most general definition, meditation is a way of taking control of the mind so that it becomes peaceful and focused, and the meditator becomes more aware. The purpose of meditation is to stop the mind rushing about in an aimless (or even a purposeful) stream of thoughts. Mantras A mantra is a word, a syllable, a phrase or a short prayer that is spoken once or repeated over and over again (either aloud or in a person’s head) and that is thought to have a profound spiritual effect on the person. Pilgrimage There are centres of pilgrimage in virtually every area where Buddhism has been established, each with its own practices and customs. The purpose of pilgrimage is to foster a spiritual discipline, to fulfil a vow or simply to travel. It is an important Buddhist practice. Pilgrimage also helps to express feelings of devotion and creates a relationship with the historical figures associated with the pilgrimage site.
11 Denominations and Sects There are many denominations and sects each with their own practices and customs. They include: • Tibetan Buddhism – a religion in exile, forced from its homeland when Tibet was conquered by the Chinese. The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since he fled Chinese occupation of his country in 1959. • Mahayana Buddhism – strongest in Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Mongolia • Zen Buddhism – a mixture of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. It began in China, spread to Korea and Japan, and became very popular in the West from the mid 20th century. • Theravada Buddhism – strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma
Dietary Laws and Dress • There are no set dietary laws so there is a great deal of diversity in Buddhist practice. For example, those following Mahayana eat meat, fish and eggs. Others, particularly from China and Vietnam, do not eat the five pungent spices including garlic, onion and leek as they are believed to increase sexual desire and anger. Tibetans do not eat fish and many do not eat poultry, believing that It is generally better to eat red meat because the animal killed was very large and only one life had to be taken to feed many people; with fish, you usually have to take many more lives to fill the same number of stomachs. • There are no set rules about what Buddhists should wear and most will conform to the local traditions and customs in their appearance.
Symbols Associated with Buddhism
The Dharma Wheel (Wheel of Law) The eight spokes represent the noble 8-Fold Path
The Lotus Flower Symbol of purity – can be any colour except blue
Stupa Symbolic grave monument where relics of a holy monk are kept and it symbolizes the universe
12 Triratana Represents the three jewels – the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma
Chattra A parasol representing protection against all evil
Dhvaja Banner representing the victory of the Buddha’s teachings
Deer Symbolises the first sermon of the Buddha held in the deer park of Benares
Naga Related to fertility rituals and the protector of he Buddha and the Dharma
13 Christianity
Origins Christianity was founded about 2000 years ago in the area now known as Israel and Palestine. Christianity began as a branch of Judaism. Jesus was Jewish and so were the first Christians. As Christianity spread, so divisions grew wider and the distinctions between the two religions became clearer. It is based on the teachings of Jesus, sometimes referred to as Christ or The Messiah, meaning ‘The Anointed One’. There are an estimated 2 billion Christians worldwide. Many forms of Christianity are practised in the UK.
Key Beliefs Most Christians believe that God is a trinity of three persons in one: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. All have equal divine status. The doctrine of the Virgin Birth has led, especially amongst Catholics, to the veneration of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Ten Commandments, shared with Judaism, are central to Christian practice and belief.
Holy Writings The holy book of Christians is the Bible. This is essentially a collection of writings, scribed over a long period of time by a number of people and split into two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament, which includes the Gospels (Jesus’ life and teachings), and the letters of St Paul and other saints as well as writings from other authors.
Places of Worship Christians normally worship in churches, which range in style and grandeur; from St Paul’s Cathedral to the small mission halls in urban areas. Christians believe God is everywhere so it is possible to worship God wherever you are. Stockton has many Church of England, Roman Catholic, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist and Pentecostal Churches. The Destiny Centre in Norton and the Tees Valley Community Church at the Oakwood Centre are Pentecostal. The Quaker Meeting House on Norton Green is one of the earliest in the country. There is a Unitarian church opposite Wellington Square car park, a Mormon Temple in Billingham and a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Newtown.
Holy Days and Festivals The Christian holy day is Sunday, when congregations gather for worship. The main festivals are noted below: Christmas – celebrates the birth of Jesus. It is generally marked on 25th December in the West and on 6th January in Eastern Christendom. However, even within Western Christendom there are variations. In Spain, Epiphany (The Twelfth Night) is celebrated on 6th January celebrating the 3 Kings bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Lent – a forty day preparation for Easter, during which some Christians impose restrictions on themselves, such as eating less or ‘giving something up’.
14 Easter – This commemorates the death (on Good Friday) and resurrection (on Easter Sunday) of Jesus. The exact dates, in late March or early April, vary from year to year. Ascension Day – This celebrates Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, 40 days after Easter. Whitsun or Pentecost – This falls on the 7th Sunday after Easter and marks the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first followers of Jesus. (God came to them like a rushing wind in the form of tongues of fire– each follower filled with the Holy Spirit and from then began to preach the word of God.)
Practices There are a number of practices, particularly within the Catholic Church, however key practices for all denominations are: Eucharist/Holy Communion - The central ritual of the majority of Christian worship. This is a sharing of bread and wine which commemorates the last supper of Christ with the apostles. Catholics believe the wine and bread are literally the body of Christ whilst Protestants believe they are symbolic of Jesus’ sacrifice. Baptism – a ritual accepting the person being baptized into the faith. It involves immersion in water, often just poured over the forehead three times. Baptists only baptize adults but most other denominations baptize babies or young children as well as adult converts.
Denominations and Sects Roman Catholicism - the largest group of Christians (approximately 1.2 billion worldwide). They accept the authority of the Pope, accepted as infallible, and believe that scripture and tradition combined are the word of God. Faith and good works prepare you for heaven. Protestantism – There are many branches of Protestantism all of whom reject the Pope’s authority and accept only the authority of the Bible. However the various branches differ in many ways. Church of England (Anglicans) - The main Protestant church in England is the Church of England with the monarch as its head. It accepts the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Nonconformists – Protestants who reject the Church of England such as: the Methodists (very concerned with social justice); the Baptists (only baptize adult believers); the Quakers (associated with pacifism and rejection of sacraments such as Baptism; they don’t celebrate Easter or Christmas). There are many other branches such as the Salvation Army, the Presbyterians, the 7th Day Adventists and Congregationalists. Pentecostal churches are the fastest growing Christian Churches (400 million believers in 2010). They believe everyone can have a personal experience of the Holy Spirit and their services feature rock music, healing and people speaking in tongues (rapid vocalization that sounds like speech but has no comprehensible meaning). Orthodox – The Russian and Greek Orthodox churches are the main Orthodox churches. They believe they follow the right belief (the meaning of Orthodox) and are united in their beliefs, traditions and worship. They accept the Patriarch of Istanbul (Constantinople) as their leader, but he is only the first amongst equals. There are also Patriarchs of Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem and Moscow. The World Council of Churches does not accept the Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses as Christians. Jehovah’s Witnesses for example do not accept the Holy Trinity and the idea that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected. These are considered key tenants of the Christian faith by
15 many Christians. However, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses do consider themselves to be Christian as they are followers of Christ. Mormons – Also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - they believe that the Book of Mormon, written by Joseph Smith in the 19th century, is needed to understand the Bible. They believe that America is the Promised Land, that Jesus preached in America after his ascension and that it is essential to live a good and holy life and not take any stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol or tobacco. They were known for their polygamous marriages but the Mormon Church publically disavowed polygamy over a century ago and excommunicates anyone who practises it. It is illegal, but there are some small groups of Mormon fundamentalists, particularly in the USA, who do still practise polygamy. Jehovah’s Witnesses – They do believe in God who they name Jehovah. They don’t believe in the Holy Trinity; instead they believe Jehovah and His son Jesus are two separate beings and that the Holy Spirit is God's active force or power. They are known for their refusal to accept blood transfusions in any medical treatment because of their interpretation of Bible passages believing that God forbids this.
Dietary Laws and Dress Christianity has no special dietary laws, although some Christians abstain from alcohol and tobacco. Some Christians choose to eat fish rather than meat on Good Friday and some observe this tradition every Friday. Apart from the robes of church leaders, priests, monks and nuns, there are no distinctive items of clothing. Some Christians do choose to wear a cross or crucifix (Jesus on the Cross) as a mark of their faith, a significant symbol in Christianity, but there is no obligation to do so.
Cross Represents Christ's victory over sin and death through the sacrifice of his own body on the cross.
Fish The Christian Fish, also called the Jesus Fish or Ichthys, was a secret symbol of early Christianity.
Dove Represents the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost
16 Crown of Thorns The crown of thorns represents the sin and suffering carried by Jesus. The Romans placed a crown of thorns on his head mocking him as ‘King of the Jews’
Holy Trinity Represents God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as one being
Light Candles, lamps, light and flames represent the manifest presence of God as the Light of the World.
Lamb of God The Lamb of God represents Jesus Christ, the perfect, sinless sacrifice offered by God to atone for the sins of man.
17 Hinduism
Origins Hinduism is unique among the world religions in that it has no founder or date of origin. While most major religions develop from new ideas taught by a charismatic leader, Hinduism has gradually developed over four thousand years. Although today's Hinduism differs significantly from earlier forms of Indian religion, Hinduism's roots date back as far as 2000 BC, making it one of the oldest surviving religions.
Key Beliefs Hinduism is generally regarded as a polytheist religion, looking to a variety of gods; the main gods are Brahma, creator of the world; Vishnu, preserver of the world, and Shiva, the destroyer. Many Hindus recognise a vast diversity of gods and goddesses; others believe in a Hindu "trinity" (Trimurti): Brahman, Vishnu, Shiva; others claim that all the gods are manifestations of one supreme God. At the heart of Hindu philosophy lie the concepts of: • Reincarnation. • Karma, or past action, and the belief that right living and good deeds in one life lead to reincarnation in a higher form or salvation. • Dharma or duty, the consciousness of forming part of an ordered universe and therefore there is a moral duty of accepting one’s station in life.
Holy Writings The most revered of the Hindu sacred writings are the four Vedas. They are amongst the most ancient religious texts still in existence. The Mahabharata and Ramayana are epic poems and are probably the longest poems in any language. The Mahabharata tells the legends of the Hindu gods, thousands of years ago. The Ramayana is a moving love story with moral and spiritual themes that has deep appeal in India to this day. The characters in the Ramayana, Rama, Sita and Lakshman, Bharata and Hanuman are very important within Hindu culture.
Places of Worship In India, Hindu temples or Mandir , are usually places where the priests serve the gods on behalf of the people. Only at festival times do they become the focal point of congregational worship. Daily worship is offered in the home. In the UK, Hindus do still worship mainly at home but more emphasis is placed on regular congregational worship in the temple. In many houses there is an altar which contains miniature idols of many Hindu deities. They clean and worship them everyday. The idols or pictures of Hindu deities are kept in such a way that they do not face south. It is believed that hell is located at South and paradise at North.
18 Holy Days and Festivals The principal festivals of the Hindu year are: Holi – a spring festival in February or March and is associated with Krishna. Maha Shivratri – a festival for Lord Shiva again in February or March. Ramnavmi – Lord Rama’s birthday, usually in April. Janmashtmi – Lord Krishna’s birthday, usually in August. Navrati – a nine night festival as a prelude to Dasara. Dasara – a celebration in honour of Rama, held in September or October. Diwali – the Festival of Lights, perhaps the best known of the Hindu festivals, is held in October or November. It commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama and Sita and is the biggest holiday in India, signifying the beginning of the Hindu New Year. People meet and greet friends and relatives, wear new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets and set off firecrackers. The day is also marked by Laxmi Pooja, where Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth is worshipped for prosperity and happiness. It is believed that for these few days of Diwali, the souls of the ancestors return to their earthly homes to share a few moments with their living relatives. Therefore it is important to be bright and happy on these days.
Practices Practices differ from region to region but many are common to all Hindus across the world. For example, Hindus do not wear footwear inside homes, temples, and other holy places. Shoes must be removed in the area of the house which accommodates a shrine. When Hindu women are addressed by a man, a family member should be present. Marriage Most marriages are arranged with the consent of bride and groom. Marrying outside the caste is considered bad practice and arranged marriages generally take place within the respective castes only. Hierarchy Showing respect to elders is an integral part of Hindu culture. A son must take care of his parents in their old age. Younger people touch the feet of their elders to show respect and take blessings from them. Mother, father, and teacher are considered as next to god and are highly respected. The Caste System Historically, Hindus have been identified with the caste system. Although the caste system remains important in India, attitudes and practices have changed. For example, Gandhi ensured that, by law, no person could be ascribed to the lowest caste and everyone had a right to enter the temples. There are now politicians, lawyers, doctors etc. from all castes but discrimination does still exist.
Denominations and Sects Modern Hinduism is divided into four major sects: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Vaishnavism and Shaivism believe in one supreme God, who is identified as Vishnu in
19 Vaishnavism and Shiva in Shaivism. Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism are the most prevalent Hindu sects; among these, Vaishnavism is the largest. The devotional sects do not generally regard other sects as rivals, and each sect freely borrows beliefs and practices from others.
Dietary Laws and Dress Most Hindus do not eat beef, as cows are considered sacred, and many are vegetarian. Many Hindus wear western clothes, although at home and on social occasions, they may wear more traditional clothing such as the sari. The dot that many Hindu women wear in the centre of the forehead goes by different names in different dialects. It is referred to as a "tilaka," a "bottu," or a "bindi." Traditionally, the dot carries no gender limitation: men as well as women wear it. The tradition of men wearing the bindi has faded in recent times however. Red is the traditional color, but that is beginning to change — people now choose different colours depending upon their preferences. Today, women often wear dots that match the colour of their saris. It represents a third, inner eye. Hindu tradition holds that all people have three eyes, the two outer ones used for seeing the outside world, the third one focusing inward toward God. As such, the red dot signifies piety as well as serving as a constant reminder to keep God in the front of a believer's thoughts. Some Hindus pierce the ears of babies and put golden earrings in them and Hindu girls and women often pierce their noses. A married Hindu woman often wears a Mangalsutra around her neck, bangles and toe rings, which indicate she is married.
Symbols Associated with Hinduism Some of the main symbols associated with Hinduism are noted below:
Om The most important Hindu symbol, often used as the emblem of Hinduism
Lotus flower Symbol of purity
Cow Sacred to Hindus, it is a symbol of purity, motherhood and non-violence
20 Dipa (lamp) Symbol of light
Trident Symbol of Shiva
21 Islam
Origins Islam can be traced back to 7th century Saudi Arabia and is the youngest of the 6 main world religions. The Prophet Muhammad introduced Islam after experiencing an angelic visitation. Muhammad dictated the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the pre- existent, perfect words of Allah. Islam expanded almost immediately beyond its birthplace in the Arabian Peninsula, and now has significant influence in Africa and throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Key Beliefs Muslims believe in one God or Allah. They honour a succession of prophets, including some from the Bible, such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims are required to follow the Five Pillars of Islam: 1 Shahadah – Affirmation that there is no other God but Allah 2 Salah – 5 ritual daily prayers at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and night 3 Sawm – fasting during the month of Ramadan 4 Zakah – giving money to the poor 5 Hajj – making a pilgrimage to Islam’s most holy shrine, the place of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth at Mecca, at least once in a lifetime.
Holy Writings There is one holy book, the Qur’an . This contains the revelations given by God to Muhammad and is considered to contain the complete and perfect words of Allah. Unlike other holy books, such as the Bible, the wording has not changed since its creation and some Muslims make it their life’s work to learn the words of the Qur’an by heart. Those who obtain expertise are called Hafiz, roughly translated as Master. The hadiths are second only to the Qur’an in importance in Islam and are used as legislative statements. Hadiths relate to stories or narrations about Prophet Muhammad. Sometimes the hadith may be a quotation of Prophet Muhammad or the hadith might be a story about something that happened during his lifetime.
Places of Worship Muslims worship in mosques, which are social centres and centres of learning as well as places of worship. The best way to approach the local Muslim community is usually through the mosque. The Imam (religious leader) or the mosque secretary are the best people to contact initially.
Holy Days and Festivals The Islamic holy day of the week is Friday and communal prayers are said at midday.
22 Eid al-Adha – the second most important festival in Islam, celebrated over four days, to mark the ritual slaughter of a lamb by the Prophet Abraham, in place of his son and after the festival of Hajj. Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr – perhaps the best known of the Islamic festivals. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. As it linked to the lunar calendar rather than the Western Gregorian calendar, Ramadan occurs 10 days earlier each year which allows fasting in various seasons and weather throughout a lifetime. Fasting, including not eating, drinking or having intimate sexual contact, from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan, is required of every adult Muslim male or female if physically and mentally fit. There are some exceptions: menstruating women; nursing mothers; anyone who is ill or on a journey. For every day not fasting, Muslims must feed a needy person. Muslims break the fast at sunset with a special meal and additional worship after an evening prayer. At the end of Ramadan comes Eid-al-Fitr – it is a time for family reunion with prayers and a special celebratory meal. It is a favourite holiday for children who receive new clothing and gifts from family members and friends.
Practices Most Muslim practices are focused on the Five Pillars of Islam. Prayers - The Muslim prayer is a combination of physical actions, verbal sayings, and an internal feeling in the heart. Muslims are required to be in a state of calmness, serenity and humbleness while performing their prayers. Once the prayer is started, a series of sayings and actions are performed. The sayings include reciting parts of the Qur'an, as well as other sayings glorifying God and thanking Him for all of His blessings. Muslims are required to pray at least five times every day and are encouraged to perform extra prayers if possible. Fasting – Other than during Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to fast on other optional days. It is viewed as a way to cleanse the soul of all worldly desires and submit completely to the obedience of God. It is also an opportunity for wealthy Muslims to experience life without food and drink for a day, which is meant to remind them of the poor and encourage them to have sympathy and to be generous in donating to help the poor and the needy. Pilgrimage - The Hajj, the pilgrimage is a physical and spiritual journey that every able Muslim is expected to make at least once in their lifetime. Muslims travel to the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, to perform the rites of the pilgrimage. There, they are expected to spend their days in complete devotion to worship and to asking God for forgiveness and for anything else they wish to ask for. They also perform rituals, such as walking around the Kaaba, the black cube-shaped building located in Mecca. Charity - Muslims are required to give certain percentages of any type of wealth that they have accumulated. For example, Muslims must give 2.5% of the money they have saved each year. Muslims are strongly encouraged to make charitable giving a habit. Most Muslims donate to charity on a weekly basis when they attend Friday prayer services. Purification - Before performing certain rituals, most importantly before prayers, Muslims are expected to perform a form of purification, known as wudu. This involves washing the hands, face, arms and feet with water. Since Muslims are required to pray at least five times every day at various times throughout the day from dawn until the night, this ensures that Muslims maintain a high level of hygiene.
23 Animal Sacrifice - Muslims believe that Allah has given the right to kill these animals and eat them. Therefore, Muslims are required to mention God at the time the animal is killed reminding them that animals were created by God and that God gave permission to benefit from them. Muslims are encouraged to perform animal sacrifice at special occasions in the Islamic calendar. As part of these special occasions, it is expected that part of the meat of the animal will be donated to the poor. In the UK, these ‘sacrifices’ must take place in a licensed abattoir.
Denominations and Sects Muslims form two distinct groups though there are sub-sects within the two groups: Sunni – mainstream, orthodox branch and accounts for between 85 and 90% of Muslims in the world Shi’a/Shi’ite – representing about 10% of Muslims, there are large Shi’a communities in Afghanistan, India Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Dietary Laws and Dress Muslims do not eat meat from pigs and many eat only halal meat (from animals slaughtered in a ritually acceptable way). Alcohol is forbidden to all Muslims. The Qur’an requires women to dress modestly but does not say anything more. As this is an unspecific description, it is open to cultural interpretation of the word ‘modest’ rather than a religious command. Some Muslim women keep their heads covered at all times when in public and some choose to only cover their heads when they attend Mosque. The most common forms of covering are: Hijab – covers the hair, ears, neck and front chest area Niqab – covers the above plus face apart from the eyes as well as the whole body Burqua -as above but with mesh for eyes If a non-Muslim woman enters a mosque, it is appreciated if she covers her head as a mark of respect. In the prayer hall itself, shoes are removed by men and women. Some Muslims may not wish to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex.
Symbols Associated with Islam Islam has few traditional symbols because there are no symbolic items or logos mentioned in the Qur’an or the hadiths. However several symbols and images have come to be associated with Islam.
Star and Crescent Is the best-known symbol used to represent Islam. It features prominently on the flags of many countries in the Islamic world, notably Turkey and Pakistan. Its use today is sometimes controversial in the Muslim world. The crescent and star are often said to be Islamic symbols, but historians say that they were the insignia of the Ottoman Empire, not of Islam as a whole.
24 Green has a special place in Islam, and is often used to represent it among other world religions. One can often find it in mosques and other important places, as well as on the flag of Saudi Arabia. Some say green was Muhammad’s favourite colour and that he wore a green cloak and turban, while others believe it symbolizes vegetation and life. Some say that after Muhammad, only the caliphs were allowed to wear green turbans. In the Qur'an, it is said that the inhabitants of paradise will wear green garments of fine silk.
Certain words in Arabic script or characters can be regarded as visually representing Islam, such as Allah (the Shahadah).
Please Note: The Qur’an is never illustrated and Islam tends to dislike any drawing, painting or sculpting of images of living creatures; people or animals. This particularly applies to any visual representation of the Prophet Muhammad. It causes great offence. This is why the arts of calligraphy and geometric shapes to create beautiful Islamic designs developed in the Muslim world. See examples of geometric patterns below.
25 Judaism
Origins Judaism, the oldest of the 6 major world religions, was founded about 4000 years ago in the area now known as Israel and Palestine, by Abraham, who taught his people to worship one God – Jehovah or Adonai, meaning ‘Master’ or ‘My Lord’. The character of the Jewish faith and culture has been shaped by the founding fathers known as ‘Patriarchs’. God started a ‘relationship’ with the Patriarchs and established a covenant with the Jewish people. There are currently around 3 million Jewish people in the UK, including those who are culturally Jewish rather than identifying religiously as Jewish, with the largest communities in London, Manchester and Leeds.
Key Beliefs One God - Jews believe in one God and assert this daily in their prayers. Moses – He is the most important Prophet in Judaism and is considered to be the author of the Torah. The Qur’an and the Baha’i scriptures also acknowledge Moses as a religious leader, lawgiver, and prophet. The Ten Commandments – these were communicated by God to Moses. Shared with Christianity, they are central to Jewish practice and belief. Who is Jewish? - There is some dispute between different sections of the Jewish communities about who can be considered Jewish but they all agree on the general principles below: A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism. Being a Jew has nothing to do with what you believe or what you do. A person born to non-Jewish parents who has not undergone the formal process of conversion but who believes everything that Orthodox Jews believe and observes every law and custom of Judaism is still a non-Jew, even in the eyes of the most liberal movements of Judaism. A person born to a Jewish mother who is an atheist and never practises the Jewish religion is still a Jew, even in the eyes of the ultra-Orthodox. In this sense, Judaism is more like a nationality than like other religions, and being Jewish is like a citizenship.
Holy Writings The Torah contains the sacred Jewish writings which reveal the will of God, the early history of the Jews and their laws to live by. In the synagogue, the Torah is always read from handwritten scrolls which are kept in the Holy Ark. The first five books of the Old Testament known as the ‘Pentateuch’ (the same Old Testament that comprises part of the Christian Bible – sometimes known as the Books of Moses) comprise the Torah.
Places of Worship The Jewish centre of worship is the synagogue; the Hebrew word means ‘to gather together’. It is the focal point of Jewish activity, being the place for prayer, meeting others and a centre of administration. The local Rabbi is a spiritual leader and teacher for the community. His time is spent partly in pastoral duties and conducting services and partly in studying and teaching.
26 Holy Days and Festivals Shabbat is the Hebrew word for the Jewish Sabbath or Holy Day; this runs from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. It is a day of rest and prayer, and is strongly family centred. Jews who observe the Sabbath strictly need to be able to leave the workplace on Friday in time to be home before sunset. Rosh Hashanah – New Year. The Jewish calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and the New Year occurs in September or October. It is marked by two days of reflection and prayer. Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement. This occurs ten days after Rosh Hashanah and is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. It is spent in prayer and a 25 hour fast atoning for the sins of the past year. Sukkot – the most joyous of the Jewish festivals, this takes place 5 days after Yom Kippur and commemorates the 40 years spent wandering in the wilderness after Moses led the Jews out of Egypt. Hanukah – an 8 day festival of lights commemorating a time over 2500 years ago when a Syrian king tried to make the Jewish people worship Greek gods. A statue of the King was erected in the Jewish temple but the Ten Commandments forbade Jews to worship statues or idols and so they refused. The ensuing war all but destroyed the temple. When repairs were complete, they rededicated it to God by lighting the lamp (Menorah) - a symbol of God's presence. Only one small jar of oil was found, enough for one day, but miraculously the lamp stayed alight for eight days. Passover – A Spring festival commemorating how the Jews left slavery behind them when they were led out of Egypt by Moses over 3000 years ago. Of the ten plagues visited upon Egypt by God to persuade the Egyptian Pharaoh to let the Jews leave, the final plague was the death of the first born. God told Moses that the Israelites should mark their doorposts with lamb's blood so that God could 'pass over' their houses and spare them from this plague. This is why the festival is called Passover.
Practices Adonai – it is a Hebrew substitute word for the actual name of God which Jews never say. In practice, traditional Jews don't even say Adonai, because it has become a holy name as well. They substitute the word Hashem (which means ‘the name’). Circumcision (Bris) – boys are circumcised 8 days after birth, health permitting, in a ceremony followed by a celebratory meal. Bar Mitzvah – Boys are considered to come of age in a religious sense at 13, marked by the Bar Mitzvah ceremony. Bat Mitzvah – The same as a Bar Mitzvah but for girls; some sections of the Jewish community consider the age for this to be 12, others 13. Shiva – Jewish tradition prefers that bodies are buried within 24 hours of death though some non- orthodox Jews allow cremation. After the funeral, the immediate family return to the home for Shiva – a 7 day mourning period, where they sit on low chairs to symbolise how they have been ‘brought down’. They sit in mourning whilst other family and community members look after them.
Denominations and Sects
27 The three main types of Jewish denomination are below but there are many subsets. Orthodox –the most traditional expression of modern Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe the entire Torah was given to Moses by God at Sinai and remains authoritative for modern life in its entirety. Reform - the most liberal expression of Judaism; Reform Jews are more inclusive than other Jewish movements: women may be rabbis; interfaith families are accepted; and Reform Jews are committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large. Conservative - Conservative Judaism is somewhere in between Orthodox and Reform, maintaining that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts Jewish Law, but believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's values.
Dietary Laws and Dress Most Jewish people dress in the same way as the wider community. It is traditional for men to cover their head when in synagogue and devout Jewish men wear a skull cap at all times. Hassidic Jews wear dark clothing and the men wear wide brimmed hats and curl their sideburns. There are many dietary laws observed in varying degrees by individuals and depending upon the degree of their orthodoxy: • Most do not eat pork or shellfish. • Dairy and meat products tend to be consumed separately. • Kosher food – food produced in a ritually acceptable way. For example, animals are slaughtered in a way that allows its blood to drain away. In the UK, this must take place in a licensed abattoir. • Food in contact with banned items is not permitted, e.g. an egg fried in bacon fat.
Symbols Associated with Judaism
Star of David The six-pointed star known as the Star of David is an ancient symbol It is on the flag of the State of Israel.
Mezuzah Attached to the doorways of Jewish homes identifying them as `Jewish’. The mezuzah has two parts - a parchment scroll on which certain prayers are written, and a protective container for the scroll.
28 Menorah A very familiar symbol seen in most synagogues around the world. It has seven branches and was originally the candelabrum that was placed by the Israelites in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Hamsa A good luck charm. It is shaped like a hand and usually has a picture of an eye in its middle. It reminds us of God's protective hand and his watchful eye.
29 Sikhism
Origins Sikhism was founded in Northern India in the 1400’s by Guru Nanak, making it the youngest of the six major world religions at around 600 years old. There are an estimated 24 million Sikhs throughout the world, with around 450,000 in Britain. In the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, the Sikh community is centred in Thornaby.
Key Beliefs Sikhs believe in one God, whose word was revealed to mankind through ten prophets called ‘Gurus’. They believe that the way to lead a good life is to: • keep God in heart and mind at all times • live honestly and work hard • treat everyone equally • be generous to the less fortunate • serve others Karma - Sikhs believe that people spend their time in a cycle of birth, life, and rebirth. The quality of each particular life depends on the law of Karma. Karma sets the quality of a life according to how well or badly a person behaved in their previous life. The only way out of this cycle is to achieve a total knowledge of and union with God.
Holy Writings The last prophet or Guru is not a person but the collection of holy texts known as the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’. It consists of a collection of hymns and prayers of the Gurus and includes texts from followers of other faiths such as Islam and Hinduism. These scriptures are written in Punjabi and are greatly respected by all Sikhs as the living word of God. The holy book is kept on a raised platform under a canopy in the place of worship. Sikhs take off their shoes in the presence of the Holy Scriptures and also never turn their back on them. At every festival, they are read continuously from beginning to end, which takes about 48 hours.
Places of Worship The Sikh temple is known as a Gurdwara and is the focus for public worship. Temples range in size from the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar, the focal point of the Sikh religion, to converted houses in urban areas. There is always a central place for the Guru Granth Sahib. Before entering the temple, hands should be washed, shoes removed and the head covered.
Holy Days and Festivals Sikh services are generally held on a Sunday in this country. They are based on the writings in the Guru Granth Sahib, together with chants and prayers from the Gurus. The service ends in a langar (shared meal).
30 Vaisakhi or Baisakhi – the most important of the Sikh festivals. It falls on or around 13th April, marking the beginning of the Sikh New Year as well as commemorating the year Sikhism became a collective faith, 1699. Gudwaras are decorated and visited; Parades, dancing and singing happen throughout the day. Diwali – held at the same time as the Hindu festival, it is similar to the Hindu festival, with central themes of light and joy. Gurpurbs –festivals associated with the lives of the Gurus. Most Hindus celebrate the birthdays of the first Guru, Guru Nanak, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. They are happy occasions, celebrated enthusiastically. As in Vaisakhi, Gurdwaras are decorated with flowers, flags and lights and Sikhs dress up in new or smart clothes and join together for special services.
Practices Babies - Prayer is the first action of Sikh women when they find out that they are pregnant. When the baby is born, the words of the Mool Mantar (a key prayer, composed by Guru Nanak) are whispered into the ears of the child and a drop of honey is placed inside the mouth. It is also customary to visit the temple as soon as it is physically possible after giving birth; this is usually within forty days of the birth of the child. Amrit Ceremony - Sikhs who have been through the Amrit Ceremony of initiation become baptised Sikhs, take new names, and wear the 5 Ks. A Sikh can go through this initiation as soon as they are old enough to understand the full commitment that they are making. Disciplined Life – Sikhs are required to carry out key actions as part of everyday life: 1. Wake up early in the morning. 2. Bathe and cleanse the body. 3. Cleanse the mind by spending some time meditating on God. 4. Engage in family life and address your responsibilities within the family. 5. Attend to a work or study routine and earn a living by earnest means. 6. Help the less well off with monetary and/or physical help. 7. Exercise your responsibilities to the community and take active part in the maintenance and safeguard of the community. Names –The family or surname is often associated with place of origin or caste and is avoided by many Sikh families. ‘Singh’ meaning lion is commonly adopted by male Sikhs and ‘Kaur’ meaning princess is taken by many Sikh women. The use of Singh and Kaur (sometimes replacing the family or surname) is important to Sikhs as a mark of religious identification and a rejection of the caste system. On marriage, a woman takes her husband’s family name where he uses it; otherwise she calls herself Mrs. Kaur or Mrs. Singh.
Denominations and Sects Orthodox – the vast majority of Sikhs follow the beliefs and practices outlined above. Udasi – a group of holy men who are celibate and tend to wear a yellow robe or wear nothing at all. The followers carry a begging bowl to receive food or donations. They are similar to Hindus, and they have become active missionaries of Sikhism
31 Sahajdharis, (slow adopters) –they tend to be shaven. They have rejected the more militant teachings promoted by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru. Keshadharis (hair-wearers) there are two distinct and almost opposite subsets: The Nihangs are the most militant of all Sikhs - they regularly carry an arsenal of weapons and are willing to take action to defend their religion. They regard themselves as continuing in the tradition of Guru Gobind Singh's Khalsa army and live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Nirmalas are much less militant than average and members tend to lead contemplative lives while secluded in monasteries.
Dietary Laws and Dress Sikhism specifically prohibits smoking as it is considered that smoking causes impurities to enter the body. Many Sikhs are vegetarians and most do not eat beef. Some Sikh men wear a turban but, apart from this, wearing Western dress is common. The Sikh religion encourages modesty in women; this is interpreted by many to be fulfilled by wearing trousers. The 5 K’s –Sikhs believe that Guru Gobind Singh instructed Sikhs to wear these at all times. Taken together, they symbolise that the Sikh who wears them has dedicated themselves to a life of devotion and submission to the Guru. They are 5 physical symbols of faith worn by Sikhs though the level of individual adherence does vary: • Kesh (uncut hair) – Sikh women are just as forbidden to cut any body hair or even trim their eyebrows, as Sikh men are forbidden to trim their beards. • Kara (a steel bracelet) - symbolises that a Sikh is linked to the Guru. • Kanga (a wooden comb) – symbolises a clean mind and body as it keeps the uncut hair tidy; it is sometimes placed at the back of the hair. • Kaccha - (cotton underwear) - a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee; it is a symbol of chastity. • Kirpan (steel sword) – no fixed style, it can be anything from a few inches to three foot long. Because it is ceremonial, it is blunt and not designed as a weapon. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing. It symbolises defence of good and the defence of the weak and the struggle against injustice. The Department for Education asserts it is for individual governing bodies to make their own policy on the carrying of the Kirpan.
Symbols Associated with Sikhism
Khanda The main symbol of Sikhism made up of three elements: • Chakkar – circle representing God without beginning or end and reminding Sikhs to remain within God’s law • Khanda – a double-edged sword symbolizing belief in one God • Kirpan – two crossed Kirpans representing spiritual authority and political power
32 Faith & Belief Organisations in Stockton-on-Tees and across the Tees Valley
Atisha Kadampa Buddhist Centre Hartington Road Mosque Victoria Rd 39-41 Hartington Road Darlington STOCKTON-ON-TEES DL1 5JQ TS18 1HD Phone: 01325 365265 Tel: 01642 873305 http://meditationindarlington.org Hindu Culture Centre Baptist Union of Great Britain Hindu Temple Baptist House 56 Westbourne Grove PO Box 44 North Ormesby 129 Broadway Middlesbrough Didcot TS3 6EF Oxon Tel: (01642) 786465 OX11 8RT Tel: (01235) 517 700 Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Fax: (01235) 517 715 Community Centre Email: [email protected] 31a Allensway Web: www.baptist.org.uk Thornaby Stockton-on-Tees Bangladeshi Muslim Welfare Association TS17 9HA 52 Middlesbrough Road Tel: (01642) 760634 South Bank Middlesbrough Stockton Town Pastors TS6 6XJ Stockton Baptist Tabernacle Community Welfare Trust The Square Stockton on Tees Mr Shaufkath Rashid Town Centre Marlborough House Stockton 30 - 32 Yarm Road TS18 1TE Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3NG Tel: +44 (0)7526 641796 Web: www.stocktontownpastors.co.uk CRC - Churches Regional Commission in the North East Tees valley Chinese community centre CRC NE Harmony House St James' 63 North Ormesby Rd Northumberland Road TS4 2 Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Middlesbrough NE1 8JF Tel: 01642 220866 Tel: (0191) 232 0296 Web: www.teesvalley.org
33 Teesside Humanist Society Meetings are currently held one a month at: The Pavilion (Within the grounds of Elm Tree Social Club), Bishopton Road West Stockton TS19 0QJ 7.00 pm – 9.00pm If you wish to come to a meeting please contact Beryl Nunn Tel: (01642) 653239, Mobile: 07977 901 754 Web: [email protected]
Westbury Mosque 127-129 Westbury Street Thornaby STOCKTON-ON-TEES TS17 6NF Tel: 01642 679943
34 National Faith & Belief Organisations
Baptist Union of Great Britain Council of Christians and Jews Baptist House Godliman House PO Box 44 Fourth Floor 129 Broadway 21 Godliman Street Didcot London Oxon EC4V 5BD OX11 8RT Tel: 0207 015 5160 Tel: (01235) 517 700 Fax: 0207 015 5161 Fax: (01235) 517 715 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.ccj.org.uk Web: www.baptist.org.uk Interfaith Network for the UK Board of British Deputies of British Jews 2 Grosvenor Gardens 6 Bloomsbury Square London London SW1 0DH WC1A 2LP Tel: 020 7730 0410 Tel: 020 7543 5400 Fax: 020 7730 0414 Fax: 020 7543 0010 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.interfaith.org.uk Web: www.bod.org.uk Islamic Cultural Centre British Humanist Association 146 Park Road 39 Moreland Street London London NW8 7RG EC1V 8BB Tel: 020 7724 3363 Tel: 020 7324 3060 Fax: 020 7724 0493 Fax: 020 7324 3061 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.iccuk.org Web: www.humanism.org.uk National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) Council of African Caribbean Churches C/O Shree Sanatan Mandir 40 Brailsford Road Weymouth Street, off Catherine Street London Leicester SW2 2TB LE4 6FQ Tel: 020 8671 7096 Tel: (0116) 266 1402 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.nchtuk.org
35 Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) World Congress of Faiths Friends House London Interfaith Centre 173-177 Euston Road 125 Salusbury Road London London NW1 2BJ NW6 6RG Tel: 020 7663 1000 Tel: 020 8959 3129 Fax: 020 7663 1001 Fax: 020 8604 3052 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.quaker.org.uk Web: www.worldfaiths.org
The Buddhist Society 58 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PH Tel: 020 7834 5858 Fax: 020 7976 5238 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thebuddhistsociety.org
The Muslim Council of Britain PO Box 57330 London E1 2WJ Tel: 0845 2626 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mcb.org.uk
The Network of Sikh Organisations (UK) Suite 405 Highland House 165 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1NE Tel: 0208 544 8037 Fax: 0208 540 4148 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nsouk.co.uk
36 Language Identifier
Taken from the Refugee Council’s website. See link in Useful Resources.
37 Useful Resources
Online Resources: http://www.reonline.org.uk/ This is a portal site which provides links to a number of other useful RE sites http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/top_navigation/Language_ID_chart.htm Downloadable language identifier poster
Religious Images: http://www.eriding.net/media/re.shtml A range of visual images for all 6 major world religions http://timoart.com/ Free Christian Clipart site http://hindunet.org/hindu_pictures/ Images related to Hinduism
World Faith Sites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/punjab...picture-perfect/701840/ Information on the culture and traditions of the Punjab region of India http://www.thebcom.org/mosquetour/index.htm Virtual tour of a mosque http://www.mmiweb.org.uk/links/links2/1.html Virtual tours for a range of religious buildings including a mandir and a synagogue http://www.stockton.gov.uk/yourcouncil/equalityanddiversity/ A range of equality and diversity information including annual multi-faith calendars and faith and belief profiles
Additional Sites: http://www.theredirectory.org.uk/org.php?n293|o106 Link and information about the North East Religious Learning Resources Centre based in Durham City. The Resources Centre has an Anglican foundation but supports multi-faith and interfaith religious learning in addition to Christian education. http://www.unescobkk.org/education/inclusive-education/resources/ilfe-toolkit/ The Toolkit was written for teachers of all key stages. It promotes and provides guidance on how to create an inclusive, learning-friendly environment, which welcomes, nurtures, and educates all children regardless of their gender, physical, intellectual, social economic, emotional, linguistic, or other characteristics.
38 If you would like this information in any other language or format for example large print or audio please contact ‘The Diversity Team’ on (01642) 528830.
ARABIC
FARSI
FRENCH
KURDISH
CHINESE
PUNJABI
URDU
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