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Oxford Hindu Temple & Community Centre Project
The Project
Of all the major faiths of the World Hinduism is the only one not to have a place
for Communal Worship in Oxfordshire. In the 2001 UK Census Oxfordshire had ~1843
people who had declared themselves as Hindus; a number similar in size to people
of the Jewish faith. There are 2 operating synagogues in Oxford BUT no Hindu Temple.
While young Hindus have wholeheartedly adopted the British way of life and culture
they still fill something lacking in their lives. This lack relates to not having
full exposure to the Hindu religion and culture which their parents accepted and
practised as part of their life. Their need to inculcate religious belief and culture
among their children is even greater.
The older generation of Hindus also find it more and more difficult to go long distances
– London, Birmingham etc..- to visit a temple for worship at various times in their
lives.
A Community Centre would provide a central meeting place – luncheon clubs for the
older generation and indoor activity for the younger ones.
The Team
With these needs in mind, a group of Hindus, elderly and young, have got together
with the prime aim of achieving a dedicated Hindu temple in Oxfordshire. The group
has drafted a “Terms of Reference” document to guide their activities until an elected
Committee is formed with a written constitution.. A set of sub-groups have been
set-up to address various aspects of the Project.
Current Activities
We, the group, have initiated a series of monthly Communal Prayer Sessions – the
1st of these was held in September 2008. It was well supported by members of the
Hindu Community and the idea of building a Hindu Temple in the County well received.
Extensive local media coverage should, we hope, ensure continuing support for the
Project.
Immediate Aims
By the end of 2008 we aim to:
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Compile a list of all Hindu families in the County
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Call a general meeting of the Community in the New Year to elect a Committee
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Hand-over to an Elected Committee
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a vibrant programme of Monthly Communal Prayers
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a well-prepared plan to launch a Temple Fund
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a Draft Constitution and
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a Draft Architectural Plan for a Mandir and Community Centre.
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