Chantelle Leswell ‘20J | Opinions Staff Writer
Interfaith dialogue happens because of a desire to communicate openly and compassionately within a diverse community. It can be defined as an egalitarian and symbiotic coming together of different religious groups to openly discuss their beliefs. According to the World Council of Churches’ definition, interfaith dialogue aims for “cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions” and typically sits at the intersection of organized discussion or debate and taking action.
Interfaith dialogue can provide solace to our communities when the political world is in disarray. The reason I think interfaith dialogue is so powerful is because of its simultaneous drive for openness in subjects we’d typically shy away from and its acknowledgment of power dynamics in the discussion, meaning people participating can expect respect for their culture while still fostering an educational, energizing environment.
This is not an easy feat. Bringing together multiple different perspectives to talk about one issue can be stressful, tiring and often unproductive. But each one of these discussions builds the foundation for the next and the next and will hopefully lead to the building of bridges between people.
When it comes to political discord in our current era, one only has to look to the right’s rampant Islamophobia and rejection of immigrants from non-white, non-Christian countries to know that we have a fundamental disconnect between cultures in this country. I believe that this is founded in hatred, yes, but above all, there is a profound fear and misunderstanding of the unknown. It’s also true that those in power are leveraging this fear and lack of understanding for political gain and to further the creation of a white supremacist, totalitarian state. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the most marginalized and disenfranchised in our communities have to welcome hate with open arms or attempt to educate those who have already drawn willfully ignorant conclusions. Rather, I think we have to rally against these forces of ignorance and hatred, and a good way to achieve this is simply to make sure we understand each other first.
Here at Smith, it’s no secret that dialogue doesn’t often flow freely — our institution isn’t even structured to facilitate it. That being said, our Center for Religious and Spiritual Life is a growing point of pride for the school, regardless of your religious perspective or participation. Along with many denominational student organizations, students are also working to develop an Interfaith Alliance to start meaningful and cooperative discussions. Currently, there is an Interfaith lunch, which takes place every Tuesday in Bodman Lounge. These spaces couldn’t be more important during this time of strife and uncertainty. To create a dialogue in which we can agree and disagree is to talk through our differences when hateful rhetoric seeks to divide us. Creating a safe and productive space for discussions around faith (or lack thereof) on campus will allow for students to spread and receive a breadth of information and to think critically about the interdependence of relationships in the world, on campus and where we fall within these spaces. I can say that, although I haven’t yet, I’d welcome the opportunity to attend an Interfaith meeting on campus with open arms. And if you’re feeling afraid or perturbed by growing political concerns, maybe you should, too.
