Com Unity Spirit- Interreligious conference Graz 2013

Minutes of the workshop 3.1 – Interfaith dialogue: Who communicates with whom about what? Why? To what purpose and under what conditions?

-Host: Edith Zitz, Chair: Driss Tabaalite, Interpreter: Marija Mlinaric, Minutes taker: Sandra Pallier

-Participants: Gasper Bruno, Stropek Ingrid, Jedwabny Michael, Tabaalite Driss, Bandion Ortner Claudia, Nseir Michel, Eisenbeutel Monika, Dhargye Geshe Tenzin, Truger Agnes, Ruth Yazani, Gugutschkow Stojan, Mayrhofer Sr. Beatrix, Figl Johann, Wiesner Hillary, Fürlinger Ernst, Pourrahimi DI Iradj, Thekkeparambil Jacob

  1. Conclusions of the workshop in terms of content

-Input (Dr. Driss Tabaalite)

Global responsibility starts at our own doorstep and the interfaith dialogue is a global requirement to prevent the Clash of Civilisations that threatens us all. Image of a tree was used to represent religions – it grows, people are like fruits of the tree – if the tree is healthy and grows nicely so will the fruit, and every single fruit has a common tree trunk and roots. Sometimes a tree can be damaged by hail and thunder (e.g. famine, unequal distribution of resources).

On what levels does the interfaith dialogue take place – in everyday life, between experts, in joint actions, between people in a managing position?How do different religions see each other nowadays?How can experiences and results from international dialogue forums include the local religious communities in worldwide dialogue processes?Why are there difficulties in dealings with each other even though we all share the same roots?What can we do together?

-Discussion

  • The metaphor of a tree reminds us of the story where founders of all religions come together and have a friendly conversation without any problems. Finally one of them asks: “What is the difference between us anyway?” and another one answers: “Our followers.” This goes to show that the religions don´t fight one another but that conflicts arise from lack of knowledge about one´s own and other religions as well as from prejudice against other religions.
  • Working with Muslim migrants one participant has theexperience that the roots show us the different backgrounds. These cultural and personal backgrounds have an influence on the religion. With whom do we communicate?
  • The difficulty of the interreligious dialogue doesn´t come from the outside. Evil arises when there isn´t enough good around. The dialogue should help us understand, analyse and approach one another.
  • In dealing with the conflicts it is also helpful if people face the subject with more self-irony and humour.
  • In an interreligious dialogue it should be kept in mind not to make everything look the same. It is not everything the same in the origins. The differences should be taken seriously. One should try to understand even if it´s sometimes clear that this isn´t possible.
  • The tree is a special symbol in the Christian bible. In the beginning we find the tree in a garden but in the end of the bible it is in a city. One should consider that the tree of the interreligious dialogue should work as well in the city as in the country. In that respect it´s important to say that the surroundings have a great influence on the interreligious talks.
  • In the Jewish point of view the tree is to be seen as a tree for the posterity. If we plant a tree it is not to be able to harvest its fruits for ourselves but so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy them. The same goes for the interreligious dialogue – it should be of use for the next generation.
  • Every metaphor has its limits. For example, the fruits of a tree don´t have any “work” to do – they simply grow and don´t act. However, religions should very well act and create an active approach to a dialogue.
  • The goal of the interreligious dialogue should be to eliminate prejudice and encounter other people with respect.
  • However, we shouldn´t always start with the differences but see things religions have in common and highlight them as well.
  • It is also important to whom we talk. A lot of things influence the interreligious dialogue – one should always consider the social class, education and cultural background of the partner in a dialogue.
  • Understanding for other religions should also be improved. A deep and more frequent dialogue can help in establishing respect towards other religions.
  • Conflicts are necessary for further development. One should voice the conflicts and not only think about why they exist but also how one can solve them.
  • How do children see and experience the way we deal with each other? Can I help someone in my neighbourhood? How do I deal with people I meet? What relationship do I have to my work colleagues or schoolmates?
  • People should be more open towards other religions and cultures.
  • The dialogue between religious communities should happen on a level where the representatives of different religious orientations are involved. It should also be considered to have the human level.
  • Of one person/organisation joins the table, often another person/organisation leaves it. This shouldn´t happen because everyone should be part of the dialogue.
  1. Suggestions for action

What can/should be done by whom as far as this topic is concerned?

  • There should be more interest shown towards other religious orientations in order to make it easier to get to know different religions
  • One should establish contacts in the neighbourhood
  • Children and young people should be given an understanding of a respectful contact with one another right from the start
  • The city of Graz should provide more support the out-of-school activities for the youth so that they can have a place to meet and get to know other cultures and religions
  • One should keep in mind that one doesn´t immediately pin the problems that arise on the religious background of a person. Jumping to premature conclusions about religion is to be seen as a source of problems – ethnicizing – leads to unnecessary prejudices

Participants of the workshop suggest that...

... an understanding and respectful approach towards religions should succeed with the help of a dialogue

… conflicts shouldn´t be demonised because they are necessary for the further development

… one should pay attention to the approach one has towards other people on a personal level  the other person must notice that he/she is being understood

… the personal network of people should be extended in order to guarantee the communication between different religions, layers of society and age groups

  1. Existing examples of good practice

A youth centre in Eggenberg/Graz – possibility for after-school activities

  1. In which questions was there disagreement?

The image of a tree – the common roots – the common origin (Adam and Eve)  Buddhists disagree