VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY:
The visionPDX Input Report

SOCIAL ISSUES:
Religion

  


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Religion is a deep and powerful influence in some Portlanders’ lives.

Section Summary

Although this section represents a smaller number of respondents, there are nevertheless strong opinions about religion as it relates to the lives of Portlanders. People are grateful to have freedom of religion and  belief systems in Portland. They value their faith communities, and the services they provide to those in need. Some, however, describe their experience with religious intolerance and discrimination. 

Portlanders recommend more interfaith work, not only dialogues between different faith-based groups or partnerships on community projects, but also between communities of faith and local government, neighborhood organizations and community leaders. Respondents would also like to see the inclusion of non-English speaking communities in religious communities by encouraging more multilingual and multi-ethnic faith programs. Some people request more options for faith-based education. There is disagreement in this section as to how religion should interface with local government and public life.

Summary of Main Ideas

  1. Many Portlanders celebrate the presence of religion and faith in their lives.
  2. Religious institutions often play a role in both including and supporting underserved groups, but could do more to partner with such groups.
  3. Religious and spirituality-based practices in Portland should be more supported.
  4. There is room for greater religious and interfaith collaboration and dialogue.

Summary of Tensions and Disagreements

  1. To what extent should religion influence politics and the practice of governance?

MAIN IDEAS

  1. Many Portlanders celebrate the presence of religion and faith in their lives.
  • People are grateful that freedom of religion is respected here.
  • Many find comfort in their faith congregations as core communities.
  • Portlanders appreciate the variety of religious, faith and spiritual practices and places of worship that exist.
“[I value that] we have many churches in the city. That means to us freedom of religion.”

“[I would like to see] more mosques for the Muslim community and tolerance towards diverse community.”

“For the most part, Portland celebrates its people - no matter their actual or perceived ethnicity, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, age, etc. I would like to see this very positive and progressive attitude deepen even more into Portland's city law s- so that every person will have their homes, jobs, and medical, physical, and financial access to their families protected from discrimination.”

Sample Strategies:

  1. Build more places of worship in Portland.
  2. Every neighborhood should have a multi-faith worshipping/spiritual centers.
  1. Religious institutions often play a role in both including and supporting underserved groups, but could do more to partner with such groups.
  • People place particular value in progressive, social justice oriented congregations.
  • Some believe that religious institutions should play a more proactive role in addressing the root causes of broad social and neighborhood issues such as homelessness and poverty.
  • Congregations should be more of a resource for youth.
  1. Religious and spirituality-based practices in Portland should be more supported.
  • There should be more options for religion-based education through secondary school.
  • People talk about having more public and private options for religiously affiliated schools.
  • Local government should utilize faith institutions to build community.
  • Religious individuals and communities (Christian, Islamic, etc.) often mention feeling targeted or disparaged by the media and general public in Portland (see Social Issues: Diversity).
  • Some call for more churches, places of worship, religious services and activities.
  • There should be more respect for all religions and faith-based viewpoints in Portland. This includes increasing the safety of people from minority religious backgrounds that have experienced persecution in other countries and discrimination locally.
  • A smaller number of respondents mention wanting to restore religious influence in public life.
“Better schools, less crime, the right to pray, read Bibles and have Bible study groups in the schools and learn things the right way would make me really happy.”

"[In 2030] there is civic respect for all religious viewpoints - including Christianity.”

“I would like to see our [Arab] community more recognized and respected by others. I would like others accepting our culture and respecting our [Muslim] holidays. Schools could be the starting point. Our holidays should not be counted as an absence for kids.”

“...financial support in building mosques improve school curriculum and broaden scope. Introduce Arabic language to public schools."

Sample Strategies:

  1. Have a designated space for praying in schools for all religions.
  2. More religious services should be offered in Spanish.
  1. There is room for greater religious and interfaith collaboration and dialogue.
  • Churches in East and West Portland should host discussions about commonalities that allow congregations to work together and build understanding.
  • Many people think the local government should partner with religious communities as allies and as a way to increase civic involvement efforts.
  • Different faith communities need to come together more to work on local issues.
  • Faith communities should be working closely on common initiatives with neighborhood groups, individual volunteers and other organizations.
  • There should be more multi-ethnic, multilingual congregations, and the uniting of people from different backgrounds through faith.
  • Some respondents want the African American community to strengthen its congregations and replenish its sense of community through faith.
"[I would like to see] a closer working arrangement between progressive faith communities, neighborhood organizations and the city, marshalling many volunteers and much good energy towards making our common home better for everyone who lives here."

"I would like to see our African American community take more pride in ourselves, our values, our faith and our togetherness-TWAM- Together We Accomplish More. I started to write TEAM- Together Each Accomplishes More-but that's not what we need. We need us now!"

TENSIONS AND DISAGREEMENTS

  1. To what extent should religion influence politics and the practice of governance?

    A clear disagreement exists in response to the role of religion in local government. Many saw a strong role for the bible, faith and morality in politics and a near equal number saw a strong need to keep government and religion entirely separate. Others made general comments about the need for government to partner with faith-based organizations more often. Respondents also frequently mentioned the need to create or revive more schools in Portland with religious orientations.

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