Reflections: Unfolding Faith and Ethnicity

Reflections: Unfolding Faith and Ethnicity is a programme that aims to level up the knowledge base of participants on cultures, customs, festivals, beliefs, practices and nuances of our multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. With a series of in depth presentations, discussions with practitioners, hands-on activities and guided tours, participants will explore the key tenets of faith and ethnicity in Singapore . Reflections immerses participants in an engaging experience, where one embarks on a journey to explore, discuss, clarify and reflect on issues with regard to faith and ethnicity.

Key features of Reflections: Small-group participation Dialogue on ethnic / religious backgrounds , practices, beliefs, culture, customs and nuances Tour of Prayer Halls / Viewing of exhibits Clarifying misconceptions Cultural Immersion / Teambuilding Activities Traditional Dining – serving authentic food in traditional setting

Since its launch in September 2007, 500 members from the IRCCs, multi-religious institutions, and grassroots organisations participated and benefited from Reflections having learnt new aspects of a specific ethnic group/ religion. (Read more of Our participants' reflections)

The following are some of the places that Reflections will take you:

Unfolding Faith

Unfolding Ethnicity

Reflections: Visit to Al-Mawaddah Mosque

On 13 September 2009, 40 participants from Braddell Heights IRCC visited the Al-Mawaddah Mosque as part of the Reflections programme done in conjunction with Ramadan. The highlights of the visit included a presentation on Ramadan, a month of compassion and blessings, a guided tour of the award winning mosque which won a Greenmark Certification award from the Building Control Authority (BCA) for it’s eco-friendly design and a communal break fast session. Through this engaging experience, the participants learnt new aspects of Ramadan and the significance of Hari Raya Puasa.

Reflections Visits for Dunman High School

On 22 and 29 July 2009, more than 500 students from Dunman High School visited various places of worship as part of the school’s racial harmony celebrations.  The students visited St Andrew’s Cathedral, Harmony Centre, Sultan Mosque, Kong Meng Shan Phor Khar See Monastery and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple over 2 days in small groups. The highlights of the visits included in depth presentations on the respective religions, engaging dialogue with the representatives from the respective faiths and tours of the various places of worship.  Through this customised Reflections visit participants learnt key aspects of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. 

Reflections: Understanding Zoroastrianism

On 4 July 2009, 25 participants attended the Understanding Zoroastrianism Programme held at OnePeople.sg. The visit hosted at OnePeople.sg included a comprehensive presentation on the history, tradition and practices of the Zoroastrian Faith, an engaging Q&A session and an exhibition of the Zoroastrian texts. Even though the participants did not get to visit the ‘Fire Temple’, a Zoroastrian place of worship, they were treated to an engaging presentation on the religion and learnt key aspects and practices of the religion.

Reflections: Visit to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Singapore

On 11 April 2009, 20 participants from various IRCCs visited The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Singapore as part of the Reflections programme to understand the Baha'i Faith. The highlights of the visit included a presentation on the history, practices of the Baha'i faith and an engaging dialogue with the representatives of the Baha'i faith. Through this engaging experience, the participants learnt key aspects of this young religion and their community in Singapore.

Reflections: Visit to Maghain Aboth Synagogue

On 15 March 2009 , 80 participants from various IRCCs visited Maghain Aboth Synagogue as part of the Reflections programme to understand Judaism. The highlights of the visit included a presentation on the history, practices of Judaism and the significance of the Torah, the Jewish code of law, and a guided tour of the Iconic Synagogue. Through this engaging experience, the participants learnt new aspects of Judaism.

Reflections: Visit to Sultan Mosque

On 27 September 2008, 50 participants from Braddell Heights IRCC, Clementi IRCC, Pioneer IRCC and Khalsa Association visited Sultan Mosque as part of the Reflections programme to commemorate the fasting month of Ramadan The highlights of the visit included a presentation on the history, practices of Islam and the significance of Ramadan, a guided tour of the Iconic Mosque and also the breaking of fast together. Through this engaging experience, the participants learnt new aspects of Islam.

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