These days, religious diversity is the new order in many places. Brought about mainly by globalisation, it is a phenomenon that seems at once comforting, complicating and compelling. Comforting for how religions provide spiritual solace and anchoring; complicating for its myriad beliefs and practices; and compelling for how they are articulated in public, with deep implications for society's stability and cohesion.

Singapore is one such diverse place. It has long been multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-religious, being at the crossroads or peripheries of major and minor civilisations. Apart from religious traditions embraced by the majority of its population - Buddhism, Taoism, Chinese folk religion, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism - religions with smaller populations - such as Sikhism and Zoroastrianism - also thrive. Religious affiliation is high and religious identification strong. Mosques are bursting at the seams during worship, while mega churches' memberships total tens of thousands.

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