News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Acts of Faith: 2005

May 20, 2005 Lisa Lauck [/assets/story/image_buynow.comp]
Sumara Perry, 9, right, dances her way around the rink during Christian Skate Night at Skate Ranch on Trawick Road in Raleigh. Assistant manager Duncan Pea has been managing the evening for the past four months. "I make sure I don't take that night off," he said. "You run into a lot of different religions that come out to gospel skate." Pea grew up a Christian but enjoys working on Thursdays because of the diversity the night brings. "It's brightened my horizons." Pea plays primarily gospel hip-hop but because of the diverse crowds, is willing to allow groups to bring their own music. "Everybody is preaching to the same God, but going through different channels to get there," Pea said.
About This Project


Ethan Hyman
"Acts of Faith" explores the different belief systems that co-exist in the Triangle area. Ten years of heavy migration has brought many new faiths to the region, turning the Bible Belt home of Billy Graham into a spiritual coat of many colors. Mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, Sikh Gurudwaras, synagogues and scores of Christian churches have become spiritual and social centers for a radically changing population. The demographic shift has pushed congregations to find innovative ways to keep their members while attracting new arrivals. "Acts of Faith" was born as a way to show this new religious diversity and analyze the role spirituality plays in people's daily lives.


Pailin Wedel
When covering an event for Acts of Faith, we look for situations that evoke strong emotion and try to bring readers into the moment. Though holidays and major celebrations are important, we also look for unexpected expressions of faith and quieter moments of solitary exploration. We hope to give readers insight into the breadth and depth of faith by showing how people incorporate it into their everyday lives.


Ted Richardson
For two years, Sher Stoneman and Susana Vera produced this column. In 2004, they handed it over to Ethan Hyman, Scott Lewis and Lisa Lauck. In 2005, Ted Richardson replaced Scott Lewis on this project. In 2006, Pailin Wedel replaced Lisa Lauck.

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