This past Wednesday, MORSL started training a cohort McGill and Concordia students in the ethics and practice of interfaith dialogue. As Carlene and I chatted about the upcoming program, I asked what principles we teach and practice in the program. Here are some ideas that struck me as I learned about MORSL’s curriculum.
Interfaith dialogue is an opportunity to learn more about your own religion as much as anything. As you explore questions and topics, this will prompt curiosity, and you may find yourself taking some deep dives into topics that are new for you!
When it was a new field, interfaith dialogue opportunities were often used as a debate platform, but this approach was not very productive or collaborative. Engaging in dialogue with a desire to learn and grow and possibly change yourself, rather than to change or persuade others, is a more ethical approach that is encouraged today (see “The Dialogue Decalogue: Ground Rules for Interreligious Dialogue.”)
To set the stage for ethical interfaith dialogue, participants need to prepare to enter conversation on an equal footing in which diverse worldviews and identities are treated with the same respect and consideration. For interfaith dialogue to reach its potential, building relationships founded in trust is important. This takes time and patience. When we practice dialogue, we ask sincere open-ended questions and active listening. Building our interfaith dialogue skills can strengthen and help us in other areas. It increases our capacities to build community, foster friendships, and be peacemakers. It can also positively impact faith communities and inspire new and creative ideas within them.
Congratulations to all the interfaith dialogue participants on starting this journey. I hope it will be a wonderful and rewarding experiences as they practice and learn from each other!
