Implementing Public Engagement

Engaging Religious Communities

Know Beforehand

According to the Pew Research Center’s 2025 Religious Landscape Study, approximately 59% of people in the San Diego metro region adhere to a religion. Common religions in the region include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Latter-day Saints, Protestant and non-denominational Christian. Smaller spiritual communities include secular humanist groups, and those who practice Indigenous spiritual traditions.

It is important to know that federal and state constitutional laws prohibit government endorsement of or discrimination against religion. Consider consulting with the City Attorney’s Office when contemplating partnership with religious communities to make sure partnerships are compliant. 

Look for ways for engagement efforts with religious communities to be mutually beneficial. Religious groups are often inclined toward working to benefit their neighborhoods and city. Frame conversations around engagement through service like assistance for low-income and unhoused people and other service projects.

Get to know the subcultures in various communities. There may be different histories and sects in their religious backgrounds. Take time to understand relevant traditions, customs, holy texts and etiquette like greetings and titles. Using correct titles and accurately referencing texts and traditions communicates respect and builds trust.

Be aware of important religious days and festivals, and their significance for different faiths. This will provide insight and reference points for engagement and can guide scheduling.

Religious communities often hold unrecognized resources that support goals of outreach, public engagement and partnership. Members of religious communities are often highly motivated to participate in public engagement opportunities. Clergy are often skilled in leadership, know the community well and are attuned to various community perspectives. In addition, religious groups often represent the diversity of their neighborhoods and encompass a wide range of capacities and resources. Meaningful cultivation of these relationships can yield benefits for everyone involved.

Learn about denominational structures as well as decision-making protocols to identify key contacts. Leadership and decision-making methods vary across religious communities. Awareness of these differences will make it easier and more efficient to plan events and gather input.

Challenges and Barriers to Participation

• Leadership, organizational structures and informal networks can be ambiguous and/or change often in this community, especially among smaller entities.
• Some religious groups or people may have significant mistrust of government if the local government is perceived to be unaligned with the views or values of prominent religious groups or leaders, or due to histories of surveillance. Successful engagement may require a significant initial investment in trust-building.

Outreach

• Many congregations and religious groups maintain communication channels like bulletins, newsletters, emails, webpages, and pulpit announcements. Explore the possibility of sharing invitations and collateral material via these channels. Be clear that the public engagement is for a secular City project. Ensure materials and messaging remain focused on project specifics and their secular purpose.
• Develop ongoing relationships with clergy through events like an annual clergy breakfast or interfaith collaborative hosted by senior officials.
• Partner with interfaith groups who can collectively disseminate information to many congregations.
• Identify and involve respected clergy in reviewing public announcements/messaging related to their communities.

Engagement

• In some religious group settings, some people may observe religious practices regarding gender interactions such as greetings and specifically when to shake hands and when not to, eye contact, perceptions of modesty and style of dress. Research in advance, ask questions, and follow the example of those in the room for guidance.
• Explore using congregations' facilities or house of worship as a venue for engagement, if appropriate. This can make participation more accessible and more familiar for members and increase response rates. At the same time, make it explicitly clear in written and oral communications that the event is open to the public and not affiliated with any religious group. If an event is held in a religious venue, participation should be open to all members of the public. Explicitly state in invitations that the event welcomes all members of the public.
• Members of congregations are often open and interested in volunteer opportunities because of their interest in their community. Consider if there are ways for volunteers to help host events and/or gather input.
• If the engagement event is focused for a particular religious group, invite a leader from the group to help introduce the event to participants.