Cultivating Inclusive and Peaceful Communities: Multi-faith Sources of Inspiration

Authors

Mary Dana Hinton, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s UniversityFollow

Abstract

Leaders, educators, clergy and laypeople engaged in the work of peacemaking must acknowledge the powerful role religion can play in the peacebuilding effort. However, we cannot limit our peacebuilding conversation to religious communities. Educational institutions also have a uniquely compelling role to play in the work of peacebuilding. This essay reviews why and how educational institutions must engage in this work; explores emerging best practices in this area; and concludes with a call to action.

Importantly, the essay highlights the importance, power and capacity of interfaith dialogue and education to support peacebuilding. Interfaith education and dialogue is not a call to abandoning religious traditions’ unique and powerful convictions. Rather, it is a call to utilizing one’s religious convictions for the common good and the creation of positive peace.

Recommended Citation

Hinton, Mary Dana (2019) "Cultivating Inclusive and Peaceful Communities: Multi-faith Sources of Inspiration," The Journal of Social Encounters: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, 39-46.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/social_encounters/vol3/iss1/7