Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 92 ] — INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FOR PEACE — Dialogue is an important tool in society, allowing us to bridge differences through the promotion of respect for one another and the recognition of our common citizen- ship. It is particularly important that this understanding and awareness is shaped through effective education. Religious and secular organizations play key roles in implementing curricula that highlight common citizenship values. Current trends such as globalization, urbanization and migration are leading to an increase of diversity inmany soci- eties, creating a need to enhance dialogue around common values in order to underpin mutual respect and shared identity. Other regions are becoming more homogenous as minority groups migrate to other areas and many religious leaders remain unexposed to other faiths in their training. Furthermore, the influx of refugees in Europe from across the globe has heightened the need for schools to build bridges between cultures, as many adolescents are caught between competing identities. Effective education is needed to help youth balance successful integration into host coun- tries, with the freedom to practice their own religion or keep certain traditions of their country of origin. Alternatively, non-integration can lead to unintentional ostracization and the potential for radicalization among young people. Edu- cation in common citizenship values is a key tool to combat all of these developments. Religious actors play an important role in supporting government institutions with developing textbooks that eliminate stereotypes and prejudice. In turn, religious insti- tutions have a great opportunity to work with governments on integrating principles, such as the link between personal and social responsibilities, into their education programmes in order to foster successful integration and cohesive soci- eties. In addition to the informational level of education, courses should strive to include immersive experiences, such as visits to other countries or houses of worship. “We’ve been charged with the responsibility to be ambassadors of coexistence and peace and we are passionate about our duty” Rabbi Jeff Berger, Lecturer, Montefiore College Rabbi Berger was a 2016 participant of the KAICIID Fellows Programme and is a strong advocate for educating religious followers about “the Other.” To that end, he leads the Rambam Sephardi Synagogue and teaches at the Judith Lady Montefiore College Semikha Porgramme. His great passion is working with people of diverse backgrounds to create and promote ‘Good’. “We train Islamic religious teachers, not only as teachers, but especially as bridge builders between schools, parents and communities” Dipl. Päd. Mag. Mabrouka Ryachi, Inspector of Islamic Teachers in Lower Austria As a member of the Islamic Teachers of Lower Austria, Mag. Riyachi is dedicated to providing teachers with the tools necessary to help youth navigate the difficult period of adolescence. The training programme equips teachers to educate students on their faith and how to become successful members of society. Panel III — Interreligious Education and Common Citizenship Values