The Sixth Assembly
Solidarity Across Cultures

Religion, Tradition, & Rights: How Can Civic Educators Help Build the Bridges?

Ash Narain Roy – Institute of Social Sciences-ISS (India)

In his opening presentation, Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi spoke about the role of religion in Afghanistan. Religious studies have replaced primary schools in the country and religious leaders, as well as the mosque council of religious scholars, play important political roles. Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic country and ethnicity is thus an important aspect in the society. Government policies are both legitimized and de-legitimized based upon religious values, and the government tries to use religious leaders and Imams to encourage reform, such as education for girls. In addition, Mullahs are involved in such processes as voter registration and conflict resolution. It is difficult, sensitive, and sometimes dangerous for NGOs to work with them. There have been 24 workshops with Mullahs in two provinces to educate them about the importance of elections, voter registration and participation, and to enhance their knowledge about the Constitution, human rights, and women’s rights. Ulamas are also extremely influential in Muslim Mindanao in The Philippines, but they really do not have the pre-requisite training, qualifications, or means to play a positive role.

• Freedom of religion requires dialogue among various stakeholders.
• We should modernize school curricula, even for religious schools.
• We should not underestimate the growing role that religious and traditional values play in everyday life for most people. Islamic revivalism is trying to purify Islam in disregard of traditional values.
• The International Leadership Program (in the U.S.) tries to encourage engagement and dialogue among religious leaders, which is a good example of what needs to be done.
• Religion is shaped by local traditions. We have to be careful, therefore, not to box people only into religious identities.
• The target audiences for work on building bridges between religions should include youth, women, religious leaders, and politicians.
• Civic education is a necessary tool to build bridges between peoples and communities.
• Interfaith dialogue is necessary to prevent violence and to teach people how to live together and respect their differences and diversity.
• Diversity is the key to unity. We should therefore teach that diversity and tolerance are important and necessary values, and that religions can be a unifying force if we focus on the common values among them.
• It is important to respect the dignity of every human being and to think about the good of the community.
• We should advance solidarity and support for equal rights.
• We should empower people to use their freedom for the good of mankind.
• NGOs should organize "listening campaigns" and meet people where they live. Media can be employed to reach people on various issues.
• We should provide correct understandings of religions, especially for youth.
• It is important to have joint efforts and coalitions among NGOs and politicians.
• Governments should involve religious actors in development and democratic processes, and provide space for dialogue and debate.
• Religious leaders are not political leaders, but they can support the ideas and principles of tolerance, diversity, and democracy.