This paper documents the growth of religious diversity in South Carolina, drawing on interviews with members from the traditions represented, previous scholarly research on religion in South Carolina, newspaper articles, census data and interviews with religion reporters and educators across the state. After presenting basic outlines and historical sketchs of each faith in South Carolina, the paper goes on to explore the implications of this growing diversity for a Southern "Bible Belt" state like South Carolina, highlighting controversies over...
On February 17, 2004 the Harrow Times reported, "The design and layout of a proposed temple in Harrow Weald have been agreed by Harrow Council's development committee. Timbers, a house on Green Belt land in Brookshill which has been used as a GP's surgery but is now disused, was bought...
On February 8, 2004 the Lansing State Journal reported, "The Meridian Township Board is expected to decide this month whether to approve a 4,140-square-foot expansion to the Bharatiya Temple to meet religious standards.
The Hindu and Jain temple, at 955 Haslett Road, needs an addition because the current building doesn't meet the requirements of the religion's scriptures, members...
On January 31, 2004 The State reported, "People of faith from a wide range of traditions came together at Washington Street United Methodist Church Friday night to affirm their commitment to fight poverty and injustice in the world.
The interfaith worship service, which drew a diverse crowd of more than 200, was part of the People’s Agenda for Economic Justice, a two-day effort...
On January 5, 2004 India-West reported on the growing concerns among vegetarians that food companies are putting meat in their products without recording the fact on their labels. Although meat must be mentioned on a food label if it appears as a stand-alone ingredient, meat may also appear under a vague listing of "...
On December 1, 2003 Jain Spirit published an article on how to get Jains into the news: "For the media, these are opportunities to show a diverse community where good works flourish. A little effort to engage the press will bring the blessings of Jain life to the public and advance the cause of ahimsa."
On December 1, 2003 Jain Spirit published a profile on Sunny Jain, "a passionate young jazz musician whose star is most certainly in the ascendant. His group, The Sunny Jain Collective, released its debut album As Is to critical acclaim last year, and he himslef has long been making a name for himself in jazz circles.... Jainism continues to influence Sunny in certain lifestyle choices he makes."
On December 1, 2003 Jain Spirit reported, "As online dating becomes mainstream, the services are targeting specific affinities ranging from Catholics and Jews to Ivy League graduates and the deaf. To add to the virtual world of matchmaking, Jains have now made their own mark on the internet: JainConnections.com."
On December 1, 2003 Jain Spirit published a profile of Ann McCoy, a Jain-Catholic artist who is finding healing through her art on Majdanek, a former Nazi concentration camp where 235 thousand people perished. In the articles, McCoy reflects on the bravery of the female survivors, and discusses their lives in light of the Jain practice of forgiveness. Her work can be seen at www.annmccoy.com
On November 10, 2003 The Times of India reported, "From next year, Park Street will be known as Mother Teresa Sarani. Mayor Subrata Mukherjee announced the decision formally on Sunday...Earlier in the day, members from various walks of life joined a prayer for Mother Teresa. From Amritsar and Barrackpore to Chandernagore and Dakshineshwar...
On October 26, 2003 the BBC News reported on celebrations of Diwali in the UK: "On Friday more than 150 people attended a ceremony at Caerphilly, south Wales, to worship the goddess Kali.
The event marked the first day of the religious festival, one of the most important of the year for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.
And the festivities will culminate when more than 300 members of...
On October 4, 2003 The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that "the Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton will be honored Sunday with the placement of a historical marker for Ohio's Bicentennial. The event will include a presentation by Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. " The center, currently with 200 members, is the only Jain Temple in Ohio and the first...
On July 22, 2003 Manchester Online reported that "around 700 people from across Britain flocked to the opening of a magnificent white marble temple in Manchester...The temple forms the centrepiece of the Jain Community Centre, which opened last year...Kiran Mehta, spokesman for the Jain Community Centre, said: 'There really is nothing like this...
On July 3, 2003 The Cincinnati Post reported that "nearly 3,000 followers of Jainism, an Indian religion of non-violence, are expected to attend the 12th Biennial JAINA Convention at the [Cincinnati, OH] downtown convention center today through Sunday... For the first time at the biennial convention, youth members will have a chance to volunteer for service projects. Nearly 230 of them...