One problem is that their beliefs aren't quite understood by mainstream society, and another is that their traditions aren't quite honored. One example, Barnet said, was the case of a Muslim student at a local school who was all but forced to eat lunch even though he was observing his religion's fasting period. The five-county Kansas City area is home to slightly more than 2,000 congregations and more than a dozen religious faiths. In addition to the more familiar Christian and Jewish faiths, there also are Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, Baha'i, pagan and Islamic groups. He is also active with the Kansas City Interfaith Council, which works with about 11 different faiths.
Some parents just take our kids out of school for the day anyway.
Steve Klick, a spokesman for Buddhist Information of America, said mainstream society knows little about Buddhism either, despite the growth of the faith in America. Thousands of Buddhists live in Kansas City, he said. Buddhists celebrate a number of mainstream holidays, such as Hanukkah and Christmas, but the group's belief system differs sharply from most Western religions, Klick said. We're about proof and evidence, and we believe you should doubt and question everything until it is proven to you, which eventually it will be. We believe in striving to help and benefit as many people as possible.