"Life in Lampeter isn't all it appears. For most, it's a safe, little town. But most residents are white Christians.
Being different here isn't so easy. There are many beautiful churches scattered around town. But how many synagogues or mosques are there? There are certainly Jews and Muslims in Lampeter.
The college provides a prayer room for Muslims. Most people are unaware it exists. There's a thriving Jewish group here too. Events for festivals are open to anyone. But people don't wish to come.
A few years ago something awful happened. A young Muslim student was violently attacked. He was attacked in his own home. But very few are aware it occurred.
Last year a student had a haircut. A swastika was shaved onto his head. The symbol of racism and hate. The action was a joke to him. Being Jewish, I didn't find it very funny.
There's been other times I haven't laughed. Some guy tried to chat me up. "No offence," he said. "aren't you too pretty to be Jewish?"
I didn't think he was really racist. Just poorly educated.
There are few non-Christians in Lampeter. Mainly they remain low-key. The town likes it like that really.
When confronted with difference people panic. It's easier to ignore the problems. Sorting them out takes time and energy.
Opening minds and eyes could be done. But who's going to do it? The smaller ethnic and religious groups themselves? Not an easy task. But one that is very possible.
Article written by Jo Moss.
your comments
Hana from Cardiff
Shocked to read a very biased view from one jewish student at Lampeter.Jo has never made herself known to the orthodox community in Cardiff of which I am a member, I suspect she is Jewish only by birth, not practice. There is no prejudice at Lampeter, have studied there, the people of the town are great, stop griping Jo and grow up
Mon Aug 17 14:28:31 2009
Christopher, Nottingham
I think that people in Wales are proud (mybe too proud) of their Christian faith. I think that most people in Britain feel like Christianity is being undermined by the influx of Islamic immigrants. I fail to see Lampeters lack of "Tolerance" in all this... merely their will to keep Christianity strong in a country fast becoming an Islamic stronghold.I am a "Zionist" (I've have always found that word, or the meaning of that word, interesting) and support Jews. As a claim to Christianity, to reject a Jew (or another gentile) is wrong.However, you may accept someone into your house for some tea, be kind to them, show them grace... but does this grace mean you need to give them more as well? So 'to show "true" grace, we must let them (the person who has come for tea) have the Car and The Garden too?'I think that the people in Lampeter are standing by their faith, just like you are doing. Giving people grace and being kind and cuteous is playing host to them... giving them tea, and being polite. It is not "therefore" giving up your things to them.
Wed Apr 29 13:48:44 2009
Kate Starkey
I went to Lampeter University and Im Jewish.. yes people were a bit surprised after all what does a jew look like?? but no-one was intolerant of my religion to be honest most people were actually curious about judaism and this was even if my religious views came up in conversation. As for the lack of a synagogue ... did we or do we really need one, i know plenty of practising jews who dont attend synagogue on a regular basis because there isnt one near them it doesnt make being a jew any harder or any less special if there isnt a synagogue, alot of faith practices within judaism are performed in the home presided! over by the mother, father, grandparents etc for example sabbath... Think of the Jews who couldnt attend synagogue during world war 2,or even when Moses led the people out of Egypt they didnt have a temple they hadnt had one for some time it didntmake them anyless jewish because they couldnt go, they did what Jews and people of other religions have been doing for centuries they practiced in the home... if people are having a problem accepting you maybe its not your faith thats hindering them perhaps its the way you present it to them, its all well and good to present a minority or even a majority but if you do it far to militantly people will rather run for the hills ... you will attract more flies with ! honey than with vinegar
Mon Aug 4 11:32:52 2008
Dai Jones, Lampeter
To Jo Moss:- I just want to say that Wales and Lampeter are the most peaceful and tolerant parts of the World. If you are not happy with the way of life in Lampeter and Wales then go somewhere else...for me God is there when I wake up in the morning and when I go to sleep at night - he is in the valleys and on the Mountains around Lampeter and no building or place of worship built by man is required and forever will it be so.
Mon Dec 24 14:38:46 2007
Enid, Lampeter
I quite agree with John. Lampeter, compared to many towns around the country, has a very high number of religious buildings - 10 chaples, churches, Islamic prayer rooms etc, plus various groups which meet at the Victoria Hall or other venues around town. I think the religous buildings outnumber pubs and clubs by now. Yet for all this, the Mormons and Jehova's Witnesses still want to convert us, and gather us to the fold.
Wed Oct 3 16:49:15 2007
Vicky
I have to agree. Lampeter is one of the most accepting places I've been! The lecturers in the Religious Studies department helped me so much with my conversion to Sikhism, and while there are no Sikh places of worship I don't find this to be intolerance! Lampeter is small, but there are pleanty of links to bigger cities where there are places of worship. There's Skanda Vale in Carmarthen and plenty of places in Swansea and Cardiff. What's more the department sets up trips. I presonally just think you are wrong. I know many other Jewish people in Lampeter and they are perfectly happy.
Sun Jun 24 19:42:33 2007
Miriam
I've never heard anything like this. I agree with John, the idea of religious intolerance in Lampeter is truly laughable.
Wed May 16 09:51:10 2007
Alan, Lampeter
How many mosques and synagogues are there? Probably a number proportionate to the number of jews and muslims which are resident in Lampeter, a number which is probably not as great as you would appear to be making it out to be. Most people ARE aware that there is a Muslim prayer room, I am a White Christian and I know of the prayer room and would hazard a guess that the vast majority of the people in the Uni know of it.
Lastly I would like to point out that not one person I have spoken to about this article has any knowledge of the haircut you mentioned, however I would like to point out that if that haircut was present in the Students Union then the wearer of it has everyright to have it since the Unions Constitution states that the Union will not discriminate against anyone, regardless of political belief. Pictures of Che Guevera offend me personally, but we dont make people take off their tshirts.
Wed Mar 14 09:45:32 2007
John, Lampeter
I have to concur, the idea of a lack of religious tolerance is laughable, the union has Islamic society, Jewish Society, Pagan Society. In fact the only religion not allowed its society to be part of it is the Christian Society.
Lampeter is probably one of the most open places in the country, if you are having issues with people accepting you it is perhaps not for your religion.
Mon Feb 26 10:17:37 2007
Graham, Lampeter
"Life in Lampeter isn't all it appears. For most, it's a safe, little town. But most residents are white Christians."
Are you suggesting that "white Christians" make Lampeter an unsafe town?
I am a practicing Catholic in Lampeter, and I think there is plenty of religious tolerance. There is no basis for your argument.
You say nobody knows about the Mosque. Well most people I know do, and I am sure all the Muslims do.
If you want a Synangogue, then build one.
Tue Feb 13 09:37:44 2007
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