Holland, Claire, and Walker, Marney (2018) Choice theory and interfaith dialogue: building relationships between faiths and embracing diversity. International Journal of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, XXXVII (2). pp. 17-23.

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Abstract

James Cook University (JCU), Australia established a Multifaith Chaplaincy in 1994. Through our work at the Chaplaincy in recent years, we have personally witnessed the social interactions of students as they passed each other in the corridor on their way to their respective prayer rooms – e.g. Christians (fundamental, contemplative and charismatic), Muslims, Buddhists, Bahais, Humanists, Agnostics, Self-Realisation Fellowship and Amnesty International members. A post-graduate student from Egypt commented that “if I had not seen people of different faiths greeting each other in this friendly manner, I would not have believed it possible”. From this statement, and our own desire to have conversations with, and learn from students of different faiths, grew the idea of providing opportunities for members of the JCU community to socialise, interact and talk to people of other faiths in a way they might not have experienced before. This idea also grew from conversations with the JCU Conflict Management and Resolution Program, who were supportive of the initiative as a way to develop participants’ conversation skills, experience engaging with diversity and the potential for individuals to contribute to peace building through their interactions. If widely embraced, interfaith dialogue and consequently students’ religious literacy, has the potential to positively affect not only levels of conflict on campus but also positively impact how students engage in social change and responsible citizenship (Holland, 2016). These are important goals for the current global climate and are vital for establishing and embracing diversity on our campuses and in our societies.

Item ID:	57004
Item Type:	Article (Short Note)
Related URLs:	http://www.wglasserinternational.org/wp-...
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2019 05:28
FoR Codes:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2002 Cultural Studies > 200209 Multicultural, Intercultural and Cross-cultural Studies @ 20% 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130202 Curriculum and Pedagogy Theory and Development @ 40% 22 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 2204 Religion and Religious Studies > 220405 Religion and Society @ 40%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9504 Religion and Ethics > 950404 Religion and Society @ 80% 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939902 Education and Training Theory and Methodology @ 20%
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