Taiwan is one of the few countries in the world with a high degree of freedom of religion. Within a territory of less than 40,000 km2 many diverse religions flourish and develop with religious rites and activities taking place on a daily basis. However, such intense activity is bound to interfere with ordinary life even though people have grown accustomed to it and are highly tolerant. Still, an increasing number of disputes have cropped up. It is religious specialists who plan religious activities and, while they may be fully conversant with the rituals and rites themselves, they often betray a lack of sensitivity and respect for people living nearby. They even go the extent of asking people to adjust to the demands and practices of the religion, leading to profound disquiet. The present study analyses compliance with the law on the part of religious activities and makes suggestions from the point of view of the religions. It is intended as something that religious bodies can consult when running their activities. Whilst continuing to uphold a religious culture, the study looks at how religions may continue to operate in a spirit of mutual respect and prevention of conflict.
