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Strengthening inter-religious trust and respect

This project is designed to explore cutting-edge issues in today's religiously plural societies, and common concerns of and friction with people of other faiths. It does so through bilateral and multilateral encounters as well as through the use of contemporary communication tools.

A multifaith think-tank will discuss the issue of conversion via the internet and at an annual consultation. Established by the WCC in 1997, the group has dealt in the past with issues such as religion and violence, and the "other" in our religious traditions.

There is a yearning for spirituality among many young people, not always in a strictly religious sense, and often disconnected from institutionalized religion and dogmas, rites and religious practices. The project will provide a space for young adults from different regions and cultures to discuss religious identity, and meaning in pluralist societies.

Women have often challenged the ways religion is used to legitimize violence against them, and have been able step over religious divides to work for peace, particularly in conflict situations. This project will attempt to strengthen a network of women working together for justice and peace.

The project will initiate and monitor a website focusing on best practices in inter-religious dialogue. This will include a help desk where users can consult religious/inter-religious experts and exchange best practices. Other possible site features could be a question-and-answer bulletin board, commentaries to blogs, webcast conferences with interactive features, and web-based working groups.

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Related documents

Learning to explore love together

The commentary entitled "Learning to explore love together" is part of on-going consultations in which the WCC has engaged its member churches and ecumenical partners since November 2007. Compiled by Christian experts in Christian-Muslim relations, it addresses the churches and offers suggestions on responding to the widely noticed letter "A Common Word" by 138 Muslim leaders in October 2007.

Report of the moderator to the WCC central committee (2003)

Report of the WCC moderator on interreligious relations and dialogue

International and global inter-religious initiatives

Reflections from a WCC international consultation at Tao Fong Shan in Hong Kong with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh participants.

Related publications

Current Dialogue

Current Dialogue contains articles on interreligious dialogue, news about interreligious events and related WCC consultation reports. It is published twice per year in English by the Interreligious Relations team of the WCC.

Changing the Present, Dreaming the Future - A Critical Moment in Interreligious Dialogue

Hans Ucko - 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.

Ecumenical Considerations for Dialogue and Relations with People of Other Faiths

Based on thirty years of experience in inter-religious relationships and dialogue, the WCC has produced this expanded and up-to-date text on relations with people of other religions.