The USA
The United States of America was founded on the principle of freedom, including freedom of religion. What that actually means continues to be a controversial issue. However, one consequence of the principle is that religious minorities have arrived at its shores in great numbers over the centuries, escaping persecution in their home country and seeking religious freedom in their new home.
In addition, the lack of an established state religion throughout its history has helped a variety of new religious movements develop and flourish more easily in the United States than they might have elsewhere. Today, Americans are known for being more "religious" than other nationalities, and religious life in the United States is characterized by astounding diversity. (See the chart below for details.)
The diversity and importance of religion in the United States is reflected in the great variety of religious sites that dot the landscape of this large country. They include sacred mountains venerated by the Native Americans, "power vortexes" sought by New Agers, Mormon temples, Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, Hindu-inspired retreat centers, Catholic cathedrals and shrines, Jesuit missions, Protestant country chapels, Buddhist temples, and still others besides.
USA Country Guide
|
|
Featured Destinations in the USA (List All Destinations) New York City This is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States. Strongly rooted in Irish Catholic heritage, it hosted many of the funerals for fallen police and firefighters after 9/11.  Washington DC This Neo-Gothic Episcopal cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Completed in 1990 after 83 years of construction, it hosts important national ceremonies such as presidential funerals.  Washington Located along the Columbia River Gorge in Washington, Columbia Hills State Park is home to a remarkable collection of Native American rock art. |
USA City Guides BaltimoreBaltimore has been called the "City of Firsts" - and this certainly applies to its religious sites. It is home to the first American Methodist church, America's first Catholic cathedral and the first Unitarian Church. There are also several synagogues and museums with religious artifacts.  BostonFounded by hard-working English Puritans in the 1600s and later settled by immigrants from a variety of cultures, Boston is rich in historic religious sites.  ChicagoWith a population of 3 million, Chicago is the biggest city in the Midwest and the third-largest in the United States. Among its many religious attractions are the only Baha'i House of Worship in the western hemisphere and a Unitarian church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Los AngelesSpirituality may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Los Angeles, but the sprawling western city is home to some unique and striking church architecture, several Asian temples, and the centers of new religious movements like the Church of Scientology.  New OrleansNew Orleans is one of the most historic and atmospheric cities in America, with a rich history and vibrant culture influenced by French, Caribbean and African traditions.  New York CityAs would be expected from its renowned cultural diversity and importance, New York City offers visitors a vast array of interesting religious places, including the largest synagogue in the world, the largest cathedral in the world.  San FranciscoOne of the country's most popular travel destinations, San Francisco has a rich history of gold rushes, pioneers, Spanish missionaries and Asian immigration that has produced a variety of interesting religious sites.  SeattleSeattle has long had a vibrant Asian-American population, and it also hosts well-established communities of Scandinavians, African-Americans, Jews, Native Americans, Russians and Latinos. This diversity is reflected in Seattle's many interesting religious sites.  SedonaLong renowned for the stunning beauty of its red sandstone formations and its importance to Native Americans, Sedona has also become a gathering place for New Agers, who believe the region emanates a mystical power.  Washington DCFounded in 1790 as the capital of the United States, Washington teems with history, both made and in the making. The religious sites of Washington, D.C. reflect the role of the capital city in America and the world. |
