Faith & Society Webinar

Introduction:

This webinar series will explore the intersections of religion and society, including topics such as freedom of religion or belief, interfaith dialogue, faith-based humanitarianism, the economic impact of religion, and achieving peace through pluralism.

Summary Reports

Episode 1

Introduction:

Dr. Azza Karam, Father Deacon Andrew Bennett, and Rabbi Bob Kaplan discussed in this episode of the Faith and Society Webinar how people of faith and faith-based institutions benefit and strengthen the fabric of society.

Dr. Azza Karam

Dr. Karam serves as the Secretary General of Religions for Peace. She discussed the historical role of religious institutions as service providers and their relevance and importance in society today as the majority of society. Additionally, religion's role in Europe, although on the outskirts of society, affects the thoughts and behavior of the people substantially. She pointed out that the oldest social service providers are religious institutions such as schools, hospitals, and clinics. In terms of humanitarian crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, religious institutions were the first to respond. Religion is part of various engagements in world politics, society, culture, and services.

Father Deacon Andrew Bennet

 
Father Deacon Andrew Bennet of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church and Program Director of the Religious Freedom and Faith Community Engagement said that religion helps individuals know who they are to others and the community. Faith communities come from a deeply personal understanding of individual identity. He explained that in North America and Europe, there is a tendency to view religion as a private matter, which he believes is theologically and historically inaccurate. Human beings cannot organize their private and public lives separately. He directly stated, “We have an inherent desire to know what is beyond us: Who am I? Who am I in relation to others, the community, the world? Who am I in relationship to God/or other transcendent belief?”. Thus, faith communities act according to their deeper, personal understanding of identity in relation to belief, and they are motivated to do good.

Rabbi Bab Kaplan

Rabbi Bob Kaplan is the founding Director of The Center for Community Leadership, formally known as CAUSE–NY. Kaplan addressed that within an interfaith community effective leadership is necessary, yet they need to make their role in the conversation relevant through educated policy and provide both a religious and non-religious moral voice. He stated that individuals play a profound role in conversation. He further explained that faith establishes a platform and pathway for problem-solving to create a more equitable society.

Episode 2

Introduction:

Speakers from different faiths discussed how faith-based institutions benefit and strengthen society. Speakers examined how international, multilateral, religious, and faith-based organizations can collaborate more effectively for the common good. They also addressed how organizations promote freedom of religion or belief.

Q: From your perspective what role do international organizations play in promoting freedom of religion or belief and likewise what role does civil society play in promoting it?

Diana Ala’i

Ms. Ala’í stated that international organizations are responsible for reporting violations of freedom of religion or belief. It is a critical role because such organizations channel ideas about religious liberty and can advocate them to governments and institutions. She continued by stating that without civil society, there would be no awareness about the circumstances on the ground to promote and safeguard religious liberty or belief. Civil society has a critical role to play in calling the attention of UN Special Envoys, as well as international organizations and advocating for religious freedom and belief. Civil society also plays an important function in framing the concern of freedom of religion or belief and providing insights into some of the material of both the UN Declaration of Human Rights and reports.

Jan Figel

Dr. Figel responded by stating that human dignity is an important principle of all human rights and is a fundamental notion that recognizes individuals’ immeasurable worth. It is crucial to recognize our identity because, while people have different identities, all are equal in dignity. He argued that individuals should be proactively committed to upholding human dignity even in the toughest of circumstances. Only then can the global society work towards peace, justice, and long-term progress.

In addressing the role of civil society in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief, he stated that civil society is united by shared values, common goals, and a sense of stability and protection. Today's civil society is founded on the rule of law, rights and responsibilities, civic participation, and meaningful engagement.

Dr. Husna Ahmad

In Dr. Ahmad’s response, she stated that several international organizations play an important role. For example, UNESCO and its wonderful work on world heritage sites, as well as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, are accomplishing an incredible job in pulling religious leaders and political judgements together. She emphasized the importance of civil society as she believes its role in the promotion of the freedom of religion or belief breaks barriers among individuals and groups of people and allows for greater interaction and collaboration among people of different faiths.

Q: What particular effective examples have you seen of civil society engaging with international organizations in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief?

Jan Figel

Dr. Figel stated that partnership is one of the best practices in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief. Non-governmental or government organizations should have autonomy and the beneficial element of sitting and working together in order to form a partnership. Partnership and win-win values are key to such partnerships. For example, the traditional association that they organize every year in Brussels, primarily the European Development Days, brings many nations together, including all EU member states and European Union entities. Government partners from the ACP region and others join forces with civil society groups, domestic or international platforms, and the media for a two- to three-day meeting to share discourse offering the best practices in forming joint ventures, coordinating forums, and taking valuable actions and decisions toward the common goal of sustainable development. He emphasized action from these partnerships in helping the victims and prosecuting the perpetrators.

Diane Ala’i

Ms. Ala’i provided two examples of civil society engaging with international organizations in the promotion of freedom of religion or belief. Cooperation, namely with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and a project called "Faith for Rights" that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has undertaken. The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief gathers information from civil society on international visits. This is critical given the weight of the special processes to obtain information from civil society. In addition, it gives dialogues on thematic findings and provides an opportunity for rapporteurs to hold discussions on their reports, allowing civil society to contribute. The "Faith for Rights" project focuses on how different religions can promote the same ideas that are in their scriptures. The purpose is for religious people to be supported and urged to uphold Human Rights through their own religious beliefs.

Episode 3

Introduction:

In the third episode of the Faith and Society webinar series, three prominent scholars discussed recent reports concerning the state of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) in society today: According to the webinar series the following people participated, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr. Susan Kerr, Senior Advisor on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Ms. Samirah Majumdar, Research Associate with the Pew Research Center’s Religion and Society team.

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed

Speaking to his latest report on Islamophobia, is the dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force. Dr. Shaheed stated that one of the most surprising findings during his research was that institutionalized Islamophobia exists in many places around the world. Although he received pushback after delivering his report, he stated that there is a gap between the academic perspective of the issue and the human rights community and that the human rights community needs to catch up. He concluded that individuals should respond to violence with less violence, rather than seek a climate of positive support for all faiths.

Dr. Susan Kerr

Dr. Kerr’s report focused on how COVID-19 has impacted the practice of one’s faith. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and fair elections. She also stated that one of the biggest findings of her report was that religious traditions such as weddings, funerals, and other rites were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to weekly worship.

Ms. Samirah Majumdar

The last speaker, Ms. Majumdar presented on Pew research on the restrictions of FORB worldwide. Ms. Majumdar stated that restrictions have slightly declined from the previous ten-year high, with the Asia-Pacific region seeing the largest declines. She encouraged readers to avoid looking at anecdotal research and instead, focus on hard data. For instance, per Pew measurements, France scored similarly to Qatar in FORB restrictions, because while there may not be a state-favored religion in France (Qatar), there are more restrictions on individuals' religious experience in France (clothing). Other trends that Ms. Majumdar presented from Pew include limits on religious activities, such as proselytizing and rights to worship; however, interreligious tensions and violence have been declining.

Episode 4

Introduction:

 
Speakers talked about the significance of interreligious dialogue in building peace and pluralism. They acknowledged that inclusiveness, sincerity, and collaboration toward a shared purpose were crucial aspects of an effective interreligious conversation. The role of laypeople in interfaith conversation, the connection between dialogue and proselytism, and women's role in religious leadership were also discussed.

Q: “From your perspective, what are the most significant benefits of engaging in interreligious dialogue and have you had any experiences to bear this out?” - Francesco Di Lillo

Elder Massimo De Feo

Elder De Feo explained that the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have shown a genuine regard for the plurality of religious views and practice since its early stages. He stated that the church fully accepts, instructs, and abides by the right to exercise religion, regardless of differences among religious organizations. He continued by quoting the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Russell M. Nelson stated that while doctrinal differences are important, understanding a common concern for human suffering and the necessity of religious freedom for all are key to building friendships. He concluded his answer by emphasizing the need for interfaith dialogue among religious leaders. He stated that leaders should be setting an example for individuals of faith and demonstrate how to share ideas, perspectives, and goals. Collaboration is key to progression and the differences between religions are not as significant as what is held in common.

Q: “In your experience how does interreligious dialogue foster peace and pluralism?”

Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama

Reverend Kaigama responded that interreligious dialogue can bring others together, but it requires individuals to overcome sense of superiority and expand one’s perspective. He continued to state that interreligious dialogue means accepting one another and that unity can be achieved if people are willing to cooperate in areas that can lead to growth rather than stagnation. He stated that challenges in education, health care, and other institutions easily polarize and exaggerate differences, resulting in resentfulness and hostility towards one another. We are witnessing attacks on lives and property, as well as horrible political and religious divisions, because of this refusal to work together. He concluded by stating that the best approach to a peaceful and pluralistic society is open dialogue and cooperation. He strongly encouraged discussion in pragmatic, practical, and concrete action rather than a theoretical approach.

Q: How do you think interreligious dialogue can promote freedom of religion and belief and what role does it play?

Ambassador Michael Suhr

Ambassador Suhr answered by explaining how Denmark’s engagement in interreligious dialogue resulted in increased development aid. He was not specific about the other “positive” benefits from such engagements but is hopeful in the discussions between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He elaborated on the problem of not having interreligious dialogue. Some religious actors are unaware of the implications of Article 18 of the International Convention of the International Convention or have a misconception that it is all about practicing religions. Article 18 concerns the freedom of each person’s right to think, have a conscience, practice religion, change one’s religion, and choose not to believe. Without that awareness or understanding, dialogue is more likely to be short-lived and not genuine. He concluded by stating that respect is one of many basic principles and that individual choice is as important. He argues that bringing these concepts to the table will result in a more long-term and sustainable outcome.

Q: What do you think are the keys to successful interreligious dialogue?

Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama

Reverend Kaigama responded with openness, and humility to accept, understand, appreciate, and embrace everyone are vital to a productive discussion. It is crucial to have a humble attitude, as well as honesty, sincerity, and a more positive approach to dialogue. He also stated that anybody participating in dialogue must have a thorough understanding of his or her religion, as well as the scriptures. Thus an understanding can lead to an overemphasis on the negative aspects of faith, which does not produce a conducive setting for peace.

Ambassador Michael Suhr

Ambassador Suhr responded by sharing his experience with a study conducted on fifty-thousand individuals regarding interreligious dialogue. He shared five lessons from his study. The first is that interreligious dialogue can be effective when it addresses a specific sustainable development concern or solves a particular issue. Second, focusing on topics of sustainable development or specific difficulties might improve the quality of interfaith discussion. Third, there comes a point when interreligious dialogue may generate greater opportunities for assessing the effect of these dialogues and therefore for governments to be prepared to invest in it if the impacts of the discussions can be measured. Fourth, interreligious dialogue addresses real issues. Some are more common, sustainable development goals and some are more appropriate and effective than others. Lastly, the potential to measure the effectiveness of interreligious conversations cannot be improved by relying on well-established markers and expectations. Instead, the focus should be on the 2030 sustainability agenda.

Elder Massimo De Feo

Elder De Feo agreed with Ambassador Suhr that stereotypes and preconceptions must be addressed to avoid them from becoming reality. He also stated that women’s divine role should be clarified to include them and youth in interreligious dialogues. He shared three strategies for successful interreligious dialogue: First, assumptions about others’ beliefs should be left at the door. Allowing assumptions to be part of the dialogue prevents full comprehension and new learning. Allowing one to express their religion is key to meaningful dialogue. Another strategy is to seek common ground. Focusing on commonalities opens discourse, which should be met with grace and humility. He points out that it also helps establish friendship, trust, and mutual respect. He notes that the ultimate benefit of plurality is determined by the ability to deal with differences with respect and acceptance. The last strategy is to understand the differences among religions. Doing so helps further establish respect and trust because the effort of understanding each other’s beliefs shows sincerity and creates transparent dialogue.

Q. How does interreligious dialogue enable those with diverse views to live in a pluralistic society?

Ambassador Suhr

Ambassador Suhr stated that dialogue is at the heart of preserving a country or democracy and is done before a variety of decisions are made. We may disagree, but it is important to respect discourse in which positive, critical, and other comments are permitted. We must learn to accept each other's differences, and then ideally become more aware of the fundamental rights and implications of Article 18 of the International Convention. In addition, we should make more room for women's involvement, particularly women in faith-based organizations.

Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama

Reverend Kaigama stated, “Diversity is not a curse.” The COVID-19 pandemic brought people of many religions together. It is an opportunity to iron out issues instead of fostering conflict. For example, they found youth centers for teaching technical skills to Muslims and youth of other religious backgrounds. After two years, they became youth ambassadors and agents of peace and reconciliation.

Elder Massimo De Feo

Elder De Feo stated that society is constantly segregating into groups and excluding others, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always inclusive for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. Pluralism understands that we hold various political, religious, and social perspectives. Sincere and honest pluralism sees and values the human dignity and worth of everyone in all of God's children. Thus, interreligious dialogue entails a collective understanding of each other and the ability to embrace differences.