RELIGIONS IN SINGAPORE

Religion in Singapore

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Singapore is a multi-religious country due to its diverse ethnic mix of peoples originating from various countries. Most major religious denominations are present in Singapore.

Religion in Singapore
religion percent
Buddhism
  
42.5%
Islam
  
14.9%
No religion
  
14.8%
Christianity
  
14.6%
Taoism
  
8.5%
Hinduism
  
4%
Others
0.6%
The most followed religion is Buddhism, with 42.5% [1] of the resident population declaring themselves as adherents at the most recent census. The majority of Malays are adherents of Islam[2] with a substantial community of Indian Muslims.

Tolerance

The government of Singapore has attempted to transcended religious and racial boundaries. Some religions, especially those spearheaded by Chinese ethnic groups, have merged their places of worship with other religions such as Hinduism and Islam. A prominent example is that of Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple (situated in the eastern coastal line) wherein three religions, namely Taoism, Hinduism, and Islam are co-located. Younger Singaporeans tend to combine traditional wisdom with religious beliefs introduced when the British colonised Singapore; for example, South Bridge Street, which was a major road through the old Chinatown, is home to the Sri Mariamman Temple (a south Indian Hindu temple that was declared a national historical site in the 1980s), as well as the Masjid Jamae Mosque that served Chulia Muslims from India's Coromandel Coast. In schools, children are taught in social studies lessons about the Maria Hertogh riots and the 1964 Race Riots, as a reminder of the consequences of inter-religious conflict. Mixed-race classes, interaction between students of different races and the celebration of religious festivals also help inculcate religious tolerance and understanding from a young age.

Another religious landmark in Singapore is the Armenian Church of Gregory the Illuminator, the oldest church in Singapore, which was completed in 1836. It was also the first building in Singapore to have an electricity supply, when electric fans and lights were installed. Today, the church no longer holds Armenian services, as the last Armenian priest retired in the 1930s. Nonetheless, the church and its grounds have been carefully preserved and various Orthodox Church services are still held in it occasionally and Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria service on the first weekend of every month.

Activities of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unification Church are banned in Singapore. The U. S. State Department's 2009 Human Rights Report: Singapore noted, "The [Singapore] government has broad powers to limit citizens' rights and handicap political opposition, which it used.... The Jehovah's Witnesses and Unification Church remained banned along with all written materials published by the Jehovah's Witnesses' publishing affiliates, the International Bible Students Association, and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.... There were no arrests of Unification Church members reported during the year. The government declined to make data available to the public concerning arrests of Jehovah's Witnesses during the year."[3]

Diversity

The Singapore census includes detailed data on religion and ethnicity, and is taken on a ten-year basis. Figures for religion for the past three decades are[4]:

Major Religions in Singapore
Religion Year Adherences Change
Buddhism 1980
  
27.0%
1990
  
31.2% +4.2%
2000
  
42.5% +11.3%
Christianity 1980
  
10.1%
1990
  
12.7% +2.6%
2000
  
14.6% +1.9%
Hinduism 1980
3.6%
1990
3.7% +0.1%
2000
4.0% +0.3%
Islam 1980
  
15.7%
1990
  
15.3% -0.4%
2000
  
14.9% -0.4%
Taoism 1980
  
30.0%
1990
  
22.4% -7.6%
2000
  
8.5% -13.9%
Adherences amongst total resident population aged 15 years and above
Note: 0.6% adhere to other religion and another 14.8% profess to have no religious affiliation in 2000.

The above figures refer to the resident population only, and do not include the non-resident population. (Singapore authorities do not release figures for the non-resident population which accounted for 18.33% of Singapore's population in 2005.)

Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism and Taoism with some exceptional agnostics. Malays are mostly Muslims and Indians are mostly Hindus but with significant numbers of Muslims and Sikhs from the Indian ethnic groups.

Religion is still an integral part of cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to appreciation of their art.

Taoist, Confucianism, and Buddhist figures together with ancestral worship are combined into a versatile mix in Chinese tradition temples. In fact, these three religions had exerted their influences over Chinese cultures and traditions since ancient times. It is sometimes difficult to tell them apart when examining the Chinese heritage.

Taoism
Main article: Taoism in Singapore
Followers of the Tao (The Way) adhere to the teachings of the ancient Chinese religious philosophy of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, also known as the Pure One, Celestial Worthy of the Way, or Tai Shang Lao Jun The Talismanic and Register Sect of mainstream Taoism is seen as the most influential through the numerous presence of spiritual mediums. They are concerned with life-after-death theory, the balance of the two cosmos energies of which are depicted through the Taoist Yin and Yang theory, and vitality, good-health, and longevity. Feng Shui, literally translated as wind and water, also originated from the Taoist Yin and Yang theory and is deeply rooted in ancestral worshiping that seeks to harmonize the pnuemas between the living (yang) and the dead (yin). Ancestral worship is a common practice of the Chinese and the Qing Ming Festival during the second full moon is observed by the majority. This reflects that Chinese tradition remains extant in modern Singapore. They pray in memory of their bereaved love ones and the spirits of the dead are honoured with offerings including food, beverages, joss-paper, joss-sticks, and even paper houses, which are intrinsic practices of the Taoists.

Although Taoist temples and shrines are abundant in Singapore, it has nevertheless not been officially included as a major religion for a number of reasons. It was argued that its numbers has dwindled drastically over the years from 22.4% to 8.5% between the years 1990 to 2000. This, however, may be accounted for by the unclear delineation between Taoism and Buddhism in popular perception. Another major reason is that, politically, Taoism and Buddhism are viewed as Chinese religions and thus suffice having one of them - Buddhism of which has a higher official percentage representation, represents the Chinese population. Other reasons may include its refusal or failure to institutionalize for fear of losing its religious and traditional essence and risked being orchestrated and manipulated into a mouthpiece of some people with other ulterior agendas.[citation needed]

Buddhism
Main article: Buddhism in Singapore
One will be able to find monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition. 42.5% of the population of Singapore is Buddhist.

Chinese Mahayana is the most predominant form of Buddhism in Singapore with missionaries from Taiwan and China for several decades. However, Thailand's Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity amongst the people (not confining to the Chinese) in the past decade. Soka Gakkai International, a Japanese Buddhist organization, is practised by many people, in Singapore, but by mostly those of Chinese descent. Tibetan Buddhism is also making a slow inroad into the country in recent years.

No religious affliation
Main article: Irreligion in Singapore
As of 2000, 14.8% of Singaporeans have no religious affiliation. Non-religious Singaporeans are found in various ethnic groups and all walks of life in the diverse, multicultural city state. The Singapore non-religious community itself is very diverse, with many calling themselves atheists, agnostics, humanists, theists or skeptics. In addition, there some people who decline religious labels but still practice traditional rituals like ancestor worship. The number of non-religious people in Singapore has risen gradually over the decades. Census reports show that those who said they have no religion rose from 13.0% in 1980 to 14.8% in 2000. In recent years, social gatherings of non-religious people are getting popular in Singapore.[5] The Singapore Humanism Meetup is a major network of 400 over secular Humanists, freethinkers, atheists, and agnostics. In October 2010, the Humanist Society (Singapore) became the first humanist group to be gazetted as a society.[6]

Bahá'í Faith
Dr K. M. Fozdar (1898–1958) and Mrs Shirin Fozdar (1905–1992), were the first to introduce the Baha’i Faith to Singapore when they settled here in 1950. Mrs Shirin Fozdar was well known throughout Singapore and Asia for her work in the cause of women’s emancipation. Her arrival in Singapore had been preceeded by an article in The Straits Times on 15 September 1950 under the heading “A Woman With A Message”.Through the efforts of Dr and Mrs Fozdar, by 1952 there were enough Baha’is in Singapore to form the first Local Spiritual Assembly. The community has since grown to over 2000 members and today there are five Local Spiritual Assemblies in Singapore.

They oversee a wide range of activities including the education of children, devotional services, study classes, discussion groups, social functions, observance of holy days, marriages and funeral services.Baha’i marriage is recognised under the laws of Singapore and the solemniser is appointed by the Registrar of Marriages. The Baha’is have been provided with a cemetery in Choa Chu Kang since 1957 and the nine Baha’i Holy Days have been gazetted since 1972..Members of the first Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Singapore, incorporated July 28, 1952The five Local Spiritual Assemblies come under the jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Singapore, the national governing council which was established in 1972.

The national governing council also appoints the executive members of the various offices which plan and carry out social service projects and collaborate with government and non-government organisations.The Baha’i teachings stress the importance of obedience to civil government and laws. While Baha’is may accept non-partisan government appointments, they do not engage in partisan political activity. The members firmly uphold the injunction of Baha’u’llah, that “they must behave towards the government with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness”.

Islam

The Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam
Main article: Islam in Singapore
Virtually all Malays in Singapore are Muslims. According to the Singapore Census of Population 2000, 99.6% of the Malay population are Muslims with a 0.4% embracing other religions. There are also Indian Muslims of which make up to 22.1% of the Indian population in Singapore. There are also Pakistanis in Singapore and a few Chinese Muslims, whose figures are not readily available.

Christianity
Main article: Christianity in Singapore
Christian churches of most denominations are present in Singapore. They were established with the arrival of various missionaries after the coming of Sir Stamford Raffles. Together with Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, Christianity is considered one of the four main religions today.

In 1985, Mother Teresa spoke at a stadium describing her experiences in Calcutta. On 20 November 1986, Pope John Paul II visited Singapore.

Singapore has also hosted prominent Christian figures like A. R. Bernard, Phil Pringle, Ulf Ekman, and Benny Hinn, and Christian music groups such as Hillsong United, Delirious? and Newsboys.

Hinduism
Main article: Hinduism in Singapore
The majority of Singapore's present Hindus are descendants of Indians who migrated soon after the founding of Singapore in 1819. The early temples are still the central points of rituals and festivals, which are held throughout the year. According to the 2000 census 98% of Hindu.

Sikhism
Sikhism in Singapore

Judaism
There are about 1000 Jews in Singapore.[7] Their religious activities centre around two synagogues, the Maghain Aboth Synagogue and the Chesed-El Synagogue.

The 1931 census records that the 832 Jews and larger number of Arab residents were the largest house property owners in the city. [1] There were over 1,500 Jewish inhabitants by 1939. Many were interned by the Japanese during World War II, and a number subsequently emigrated to Australia, England, the United States, and Israel. As a result, the community numbered approximately 450 in 1968. In 2005, the number reached 300, but due to a large Ashkenazi immigration rate to Singapore in recent years, the population is now between 800 and 1000 and comprises mostly foreign Ashkenazi Jews

Zoroastrianism
Jainism
There are a few hundred Jains in Singapore but they have no temple as of yet. The Singapore Jain Religious Society has a building at the address of 18 Jalan Yasin, about 300 meters northeast of Eunos MRT Station.

The Jain community celebrated a presence of 100 years in Singapore marking the occasion by rededicating the "Stanak" and consecrating the idol of Lord Mahaveer. This brings together the two main secs of Jains - stanakvasi (those who do not practice idol worship) and deravasi(those who practice idol worship). The Jain community in Singapore now is close to 2000 people and the Singapore Jain Religious Society actively engages in keeping traditions and practices alive by imbibing Jain principles to the next generation. It also has a strong history of community involvement.

Ethnic groups

Religious composition of the main ethnic groups:



Restrictions

Main article: Freedom of religion in Singapore
See also: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses#Singapore
Publications and public discussions of religious issues are generally considered out of bounds, and negative or inflammatory portrayals of religion are subject to censorship.

Nevertheless, the "Singapore: International Religious Freedom Report 2006"[8] and submitted to Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 makes note of the fact that the Constitution of Singapore provides for freedom of Religion but "the Government restricted this right in some circumstances."

In 1972 the Singapore government de-registered and banned the activities of Jehovah's Witnesses in Singapore on the grounds that its members refuse to perform military service (which is obligatory for all male citizens), salute the flag, or swear oaths of allegiance to the state.[9][10] Singapore has banned all written materials (including Bibles) published by the International Bible Students Association and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, both publishing arms of the Jehovah's Witnesses. A person in possession of banned literature can be fined up to S$2,000 (US$1,460) and jailed up to 12 months for a first conviction.[citation needed]

The Unification Church has also been banned in Singapore since 1982.



See also

Singaporean Chinese religion
References

^ [1]
^ Malays and Islam
^ "2009 Human Rights Report: Singapore", 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, U. S. State Department, March 11, 2010, As Retrieved 2010-05-11
^ [2]
^ http://sg-humanism-meetup.blogspot.com/2010/02/shm-in-news-again.html
^ http://www.humanist.org.sg/index.php/latest-news/59-carving-out-a-space-for-the-non-religious-here
^ http://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/647454/jewish/Singapores-Jews-Experience-Cultural-Rebirth.htm
^ Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2006-09-15). "International Religious Freedom Report 2006". Singapore. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 2007-11-18. "The constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, the Government restricted this right in some circumstances.
There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. The Government has banned the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unification Church. The Government does not tolerate speech or actions that it deems could adversely affect racial or religious harmony.
The generally amicable relationship among religious groups in society contributed to religious freedom."
^ http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2001/5732.htm
^ "Singapore", International Religious Freedom Report 2004, U. S. Department of State, As Retrieved 2010-03-11
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