MY NEIGHBOUR'S FAITH AND MINE
Religious identities : For better or for worse?
An interreligious encounter in Geneva
12-14 November 2005
Religious identities : For better or for worse?
An interreligious encounter in Geneva
12-14 November 2005
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MY NEIGHBOUR'S FAITH AND MINE Religious identities : For better or for worse? An interreligious encounter in Geneva 12-14 November 2005 |
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DOCUMENTS "Youth voices heard at interfaith dialogue" What importance does religious identity have in the lives of young people? How do they deal with religious identity when it becomes critical due to the impact of politics on religion? How can they move ahead from enforced "tolerance" to willing mutual respect of religions different from their own? And how can a deeper understanding of their own faith as well as that of their neighbours help them to work together on issues of common concern for a better world? These questions were addressed by more than hundred young people from all over Europe and the Middle East, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Bahais and Buddhists, at an interfaith weekend organized in Geneva last week by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Geneva Interreligious Platform. “Youth brings a more humble and human face to interreligious dialogue," said Torbjorn Askevold, a Christian participant of the 12-13 November 2005 interfaith youth forum and a student of Arabic in Syria. Instead of "theoretical conceptual debate between the experts only, […] Young people are open to hear each others' experiences and share their histories and realties together." For Askevold, young people's sense of their own identity is being "abused by the power politics". "We as young people are being made to fear a contrived threat of ‘the other’, and this only creates prejudices and biases against the people of different faiths.” Alia Adi, who is a young Muslim working for Research Group on Islam in Switzerland, opined that, “In most of the western countries, religion is considered something personal that is not to be discussed openly. However, what states do not recognize is that religion has a great impact on society, and is affecting each one of us at many different levels.” “Religious identities are deeply rooted in the culture, heritage and politics of society, and these connections need to be recognized and addressed when they create divides and conflicts. A better understanding of each other’s faith could be the first step in addressing the such conflicts,” she added. “I am going back home with a lot of questions in my mind,” said a Muslim participant, Tarabiyah Hanin from Israel, who is a dialogue coordinator of a Palestinian-Israeli youth group. “Young people are the key actors in inter-religious dialogue, and they share a lot with each other despite their different religious identities. This common sharing gives a fresh, human perspective to interfaith debate.” The coordinator of the WCC youth desk, Natalie Maxson, observed that “inter-religious dialogue is increasingly becoming one of the most important areas of concern for the young generation. This is the time for us in the ecumenical movement to stop, think, and ask questions that can lead us beyond the issues of doctrine and dogmas only. Conflicts based on religions and the rising issue of fundamentalism are something the ecumenical movement needs to address as a priority.” “Young people are willing to take risks, and are honest in sharing their doubts and questions," she added. "They have deep questions which they addressed to the experienced witnesses in inter-religious dialogue during this event. "I would call this forum a very positive experiences of inter-generational debate. The experienced people didn’t come as experts only, but humbly shared their own struggles, doubts and faiths with the young people. This approach is unique, and made the forum a brilliant learning opportunity for both young and old.” See full report on the youth interfaith forum |
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