Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 2.12 Religion, Race and Ethnicity
Presentation #1 Title
Religious Minorities in (New) Appalachia: The Challenges of Diversity
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This panel will discuss four religious minority communities in Appalachia and the challenges these groups face in contemporary Appalachia: Jews, Muslims, Russian Orthodox Christians and Cherokee. These four groups offer a perspective on the changing religious profile of Appalachia. Lucy Ballard will address the Muslim Community of North East Tennessee (MCNET) located in Johnson City. The Muslim experience in Appalachia reveals the history and continuing development of American Islam as well as characteristics of Southern religiosity as Appalachian Muslims seek to fulfill the requirements of their faith in rural environments while responding to negative sentiment toward Islam in their Christian-dominated local communities. Jared Gallamore will address St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Fletcher and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, NC which serve as prime examples of Appalachian Orthodox communities that have been cultivated from the ground up, integrated into the larger surrounding community, and continue to prosper as distinct religious communities despite their statuses as a “religious minority.” Karen Russo will address ways Cherokee spirituality has assimilated some Christian-Judaeo religious traditions, beliefs and practices producing an example of religious syncretism in Appalachia. Rachel Simon will address the Jewish community in Boone, NC, exploring the status of Appalachian Jews on a whole, including how they may have been influenced and threatened by their minority status, and the area’s prevailing cultural and religious traditions and norms.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Lucy Ballard is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies at Appalachian State University, where she is an officer in the World Religions Club and an active member of the Nuncio Ambassador Program for the Department of Philosophy and Religion. Lucy will be pursuing her Master’s degree in Islamic Studies after graduation.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jared Wesley Gallamore (1977-2013) passed away in November 2013. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Carolina University in anthropology and Cherokee Studies, and was working toward a Master of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University. A loving friend, father, and husband, Jared is greatly missed by all who knew him.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Karen Russo is a graduate student in the Appalachian Studies program at Appalachian State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Appalachian Studies and is currently the graduate assistant for Appalachian State’s videography instructor Tom Hansell. Her concentration is in cultural anthropology.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Rachel Ellen Simon is currently pursuing her Master’s in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University, where she works as the editorial assistant for the Appalachian Journal. Rachel is also a communications intern at Appalachian Voices.
Religious Minorities in (New) Appalachia: The Challenges of Diversity
Harris Hall 137
This panel will discuss four religious minority communities in Appalachia and the challenges these groups face in contemporary Appalachia: Jews, Muslims, Russian Orthodox Christians and Cherokee. These four groups offer a perspective on the changing religious profile of Appalachia. Lucy Ballard will address the Muslim Community of North East Tennessee (MCNET) located in Johnson City. The Muslim experience in Appalachia reveals the history and continuing development of American Islam as well as characteristics of Southern religiosity as Appalachian Muslims seek to fulfill the requirements of their faith in rural environments while responding to negative sentiment toward Islam in their Christian-dominated local communities. Jared Gallamore will address St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Fletcher and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, NC which serve as prime examples of Appalachian Orthodox communities that have been cultivated from the ground up, integrated into the larger surrounding community, and continue to prosper as distinct religious communities despite their statuses as a “religious minority.” Karen Russo will address ways Cherokee spirituality has assimilated some Christian-Judaeo religious traditions, beliefs and practices producing an example of religious syncretism in Appalachia. Rachel Simon will address the Jewish community in Boone, NC, exploring the status of Appalachian Jews on a whole, including how they may have been influenced and threatened by their minority status, and the area’s prevailing cultural and religious traditions and norms.
