Religions of Immigrants from India and Pakistan: New Threads in the American Tapestry

In 1965, landmark changes in the immigration law admitted to the United States large numbers of Indians and Pakistanis. Williams' book is the first comprehensive study of the religious groups formed in the United States by immigrants from India and Pakistan, of the adaptive and organizational patterns developed by these groups, and of their continuing influence on the fabric of American religion and culture. Through analysis of demographic statistics and information gathered in interviews, the book provides an overview of the variety of religions practiced by Indian and Pakistani Americans, the size of these religious groups, and the range of ecumenical, ethnic, sectarian, and national organizations. Case studies of groups in Chicago and Houston demonstrate differing growth patterns in metropolitan areas, while detailed descriptions of Swaminarayan Hindus and Nizari Ismaili Muslims illustrate a range of approaches to the difficulties of assimilation into American society.