Where: Wesley Memorial Church Seminar Hall, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH
Date: 16 February 2012
Time: 17:00-18:30
With: Peter Riddell
The Dialogue Society Oxford Branch was delighted to host Peter Riddell of Initiatives of Change for a most interesting discussion of different approaches to interfaith dialogue. Drawing on nearly forty years of experience in building interfaith relationships, he suggested that joint action can sometimes allow us to come to know each other better than simply talking to each other can. A diverse group of participants brought a range of perspectives to bear on the question in an enlightening and productive discussion.
European society faces the challenge of breaking down the barriers that keep us in racial, ethnic, religious or class compartments. Interfaith dialogue usually starts with talking across these boundaries. Moving on to work with people of different cultural backgrounds reveals many other aspects of dialogue. For example, often what is not said is more important than what is. Actions speak louder than words. And we carry far more historical baggage than we think...It is in this realm that we really begin to know each other.
Peter Riddell has worked with the international Initiatives of Change (IofC) movement and associated organisations for nearly 40 years, developing relationships of trust and respect with people of Muslim and other faith traditions. He is currently Convenor of IofC-UK’s Agenda for Reconciliation team, Secretary and a founding member of British-Arab Exchanges, Joint-coordinator with Imam and broadcaster Ajmal Masroor of the Learning to be a Peacemaker programme for young European Muslims and Convenor of the Oxford Round Table of Religions.
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