Religious Sector

Summary

The religious sector encompasses various aspects related to religion, including places of worship, spiritual sites, religious institutions, and organizations such as religious schools and charities. In a case study involving 340 individuals seeking asylum, the religious demographic was found to be primarily Muslim (64%), followed by Christian (25%), Sikh (1%), Hindu (1%), Atheist (4%), and Other (4%). Considering this data, the mapping exercise focused on the religious infrastructure specific to these identified religions. The map representing available data on the religious sector in the South West region highlights places of worship for Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism. In terms of VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) provision in the South West region, there is a lack of religious facilities for Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus, particularly in rural areas. Urban centers like Exeter, Bristol, and Gloucester have more diverse cultural communities and consequently more religious provision. However, Christian provision is widespread throughout the region, with numerous registered institutions catering to Christians.

What is the Religious Sector?

The religious sector, for the purposes of this mapping exercise, includes the locations of places of worship relevant to refugees and migrants, areas of spiritual significance and religious institutions and organizations such as the religious schools and charity organizations. Before undertaking the mapping exercise for the religious sector, an investigation was undertaken into the religious demographic of the refugees and migrants awaiting a decision on their application for asylum.

The religious demographic of a case study of 340 individuals provided from Clearsprings Ready Homes were as follows: Muslim (64%), Christian (25%), Sikh (1%), Hindu (1%), Atheist (4%) and Other (4%). Applying this research to the mapping exercise, the religious infrastructure to be mapped is in line with the results of the analysis and will focus on the religions identified

Why Is The Religious Sector Considered To Be Important for Refugees?

Why Is The Religious Sector Considered To Be Important for Refugees?

Religion can be an important aspect of the lives of refugees, as it provides a sense of identity, community, and comfort during times of displacement and uncertainty. In some cases, it may be a core reason for their inability to live in their country of origin without fear of persecution. For refugees who have been forced to leave their homes and communities behind, religion can help to maintain a connection to their cultural and spiritual roots, and provide a sense of continuity and stability. Religious communities can also offer practical assistance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. It can provide hope and resilience, helping refugees to persevere in the face of adversity and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Overall, religion can serve as a powerful tool for refugees as they navigate the challenges of displacement and seek to rebuild their lives in new communities.

How Does The Map Represent Available Data On The Religious Sector In The South West?

The map demonstrates the places of worship in the region for the four main religions demonstrated in the research: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism. Each has been designated its own symbol and as much information relevant to decision-making for those utilising the maps has been given; information varies between the four religions due to both availability and religious/cultural pertinence.

The mapping exercise did not include demographic mapping as this is available through the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in its census mapping.

What Are The Trends And Patterns In Religious Provision In The South West Region?

The South West suffers from a lack of religious provision for those who identify as either Muslim, Sikh or Hindu. Where there is provision, it is exclusively found within urban centers, most predominantly in areas such as Exeter, Bristol and Gloucester. This is unsurprising considering the higher degree of cultural and community-based diversity that exists; hence, the percentage of those who identify as Muslim, Sikh or Hindu is far higher in comparison to rural areas. For example, 6.7% of people in Bristol City identify as Muslim, as opposed to 0.4% in North Devon.

Provision for those who identify as Christian is extremely high. Provision of a Christian nature can be found ubiquitously throughout the South West region with over three thousand institutions registered to perform services such as marriage. This fact is unsurprising when ONS Census 2021 data demonstrates that between 40% and 50% of the populations in each Local Authority throughout the South West region is Christian.