21.1 Identifying religions and rituals

You should be able to compile a list of religious groups and institutions in your area. It should also be possible for you to make a list of the activities that these groups and institutions conduct - the groups' websites would be the first place to look. The list might look something like this:

• Catholic Church - Mass said daily at 3 pm
• Orthodox Synagogue - Saturday service
• Presbyterian Church - Sunday Services at 9 am and 5 pm
• African Orthodox Church - Sunday morning services
• Buddhist Centre - Retreats at irregular intervals, next one in 3 weeks
• Mosque - Prayer 5 times daily, Fridays most vital

Once you have a list, the question becomes, which one will you go and visit? If possible, attend one to you do not belong to! Remember, you will be going as an observer, not as a worshipper. You will be there to learn, not to take part. Therefore, going to a church service if you would have gone there anyway as a member is not the way to do this activity!