The Future Of Interfaith Dialogue

Provides insightful discussions of the exegetic and discursive process begun by the open letter A Common Word Between Us and You.

Written by some of the world's leading scholars of theology and interreligious dialogue, the essays in this volume provide a number of original voices to conversations around Nostra Aetate, bringing new ferment to the field of interreligious understanding.

"2011 Madeleva lecture in spirituality."

For over 30 years the World Council of Churches has been involved in interreligious dialogue. In the last decades, there has been an increasing interest in dialogue due to the unexpected return of religion as a reality to reckon with in society and political life. In an unprecedented way in recent years and in numerous parts of the world, many societies are marked by tension and conflict between and within religious communities, yet, where mechanisms for dialogue and encounter exist, there is a greater possibility of fostering deeper knowledge and awareness among people of different religions. Good neighbourliness grows and thrives where there is mutual acceptance and mutual respect. The WCC affirms the importance of interreligious relations and dialogue today as a core issue for its work. Harvesting experiences in dialogue suggests that we are at a critical moment -- thus in June 2005, the World Council of Churches organized the 'Critical Moment in Interreligious Relations and Dialogue' conference, facilitating reflection on future orientations in interreligious dialogue. The aim of this book is to share the highlights of the Critical Moment conference and to give food for thought and action to all involved in interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It presents the plenary speeches and a compilation of the working group reports, as well as a summary of the answers from participants to a survey made before the conference. To make the material more alive and useful for those not at the conference, the book includes a study guide, meant for practical use in the local community. It links to issues raised at the conference, and gives background information, thoughts for reflection and questions to work on. Although intended for those who already have some interfaith experience, this book can also be useful to people who are new to the field. It gives insight into current issues and dilemmas and suggestions for further reflection.

Communication theory provides a compelling way to understand how people of faith can and should work together in today’s tumultuous world. In A Communication Perspective on Interfaith Dialogue, fifteen authors present their experiences and analyses of interfaith dialogue, and contextualize interfaith work within the frame of rhetorical and communication studies. While the focus is on the Abrahamic faiths, these essays also include discussion of Hinduism and interracial faith efforts. Each chapter incorporates communication theories that bring clarity to the practices and problems of interfaith communication. Where other interfaith books provide theological, political, or sociological insights, this volume is committed to the perspectives contained in communication scholarship. Interfaith dialogue is best imagined as an organic process, and it does not require theological heavyweights gathered for academic banter. As such, this volume focuses on the processes and means by which interfaith meaning is produced.

This comprehensive volume brings together a distinguished editorial team, including some of the field’s pioneers, to explore the aims, practice, and historical context of interfaith collaboration. Explores in full the background, history, objectives, and discourse between the leaders and practitioners of the world’s major religions Examines relations between religions from around the world, moving well beyond the common focus on Christianity, to also cover over 12 major religions Features a wealth of case studies on contemporary interreligious dialogue Charts a long-term shift away from a competitive rivalry between belief systems, and a change in focus towards the more respectful, cooperative approach reflected in institutions such as the World Council of Churches Includes up-to-date commentary on the growing dialogue of recent years, written by some of the leading figures working in the field of interfaith discourse