Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Queens. a borough New York City, has been considered one of the most diverse places in the world. In this study, we examine religious diversity in Queens through an ethnography of congregations in 12 neighborhoods. We find that while there is an obvious diversity of religious traditions and congregations in these neighborhoods, at the same time, members tend to associate with those of similar ethnicities and beliefs and exclude those who are different from them and not participate in inter-faith activities. We explain this tendency by using the theory of interaction ritual chains and the way they generate emotional energy and solidarity within religious groups.