The goal of the research project was to document and interpret the experiences of a diverse group of selected churches, mosques, and synagogues (‘religious communities’) across Rhode Island during the summer of 2021.
Project Goals
The project is grounded in empirical social-science research and aims to make accessible to a broad audience the findings of this research, as well as make the research more tangible and publicly visible through documenting and publicizing images of religious services in the age of social distancing.
By bringing visibility to the experiences of diverse religious communities across Rhode Island, a community dialogue about shared experiences among religious and non-religious organizations and their members across Rhode Island is fostered and civic life in Rhode Island is enhanced.
Posters
Each poster tells a story, of a person or community, finding both challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing resilience and creativity in a time of evolving adversity, or of finding community when social distancing is mandated. At the start of the summer, when much of the research took place, restrictions were being relaxed in religious worship, following CDC guidance which no longer required masks to be worn indoors by fully vaccinated persons. At the end of the Summer of 2021, as this project was being finalized, the situation has markedly changed. The Delta variant is causing a spike in COVID cases across the US and Rhode Island was again designated a high-transmission state. In turn, religious leaders again are taking a more cautious approach to worship. As such, the situation is evolving.
Focus on
Each poster looks at the experiences of a different religious community in Rhode Island. Time and space restraints did not allow all religious communities interviewed and visited to be featured; the selection seeks to illustrate the diversity of religions and approaches in Rhode Island. The teaser video and this website seeks to add to the narratives and snapshots. Many thanks to all the participants, who shared their time and insights.
Project Goals
The project is grounded in empirical social-science research and aims to make accessible to a broad audience the findings of this research, as well as make the research more tangible and publicly visible through documenting and publicizing images of religious services in the age of social distancing.
By bringing visibility to the experiences of diverse religious communities across Rhode Island, a community dialogue about shared experiences among religious and non-religious organizations and their members across Rhode Island is fostered and civic life in Rhode Island is enhanced.
Posters
Each poster tells a story, of a person or community, finding both challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing resilience and creativity in a time of evolving adversity, or of finding community when social distancing is mandated. At the start of the summer, when much of the research took place, restrictions were being relaxed in religious worship, following CDC guidance which no longer required masks to be worn indoors by fully vaccinated persons. At the end of the Summer of 2021, as this project was being finalized, the situation has markedly changed. The Delta variant is causing a spike in COVID cases across the US and Rhode Island was again designated a high-transmission state. In turn, religious leaders again are taking a more cautious approach to worship. As such, the situation is evolving.
Focus on
Each poster looks at the experiences of a different religious community in Rhode Island. Time and space restraints did not allow all religious communities interviewed and visited to be featured; the selection seeks to illustrate the diversity of religions and approaches in Rhode Island. The teaser video and this website seeks to add to the narratives and snapshots. Many thanks to all the participants, who shared their time and insights.
