Interfaith Dialogue & Building Understandings
The important role of religious leaders in our society, nowadays, lays in strengthening citizenship and its values, fighting radicalization and implanting and consolidating tolerance, pluralism, human rights’ respect and the acceptance of the other. Religious leaders have an important role in Tunisia since they generate thoughts; therefore, they are responsible in diffusing the culture of tolerance, coexistence and the acceptance of the other, discarding terrorism, extremism, chauvinism, violence and hatred in addition to strengthening the principle of respecting others.
Thus, we see an urgent need for the enlightened religious discourse whose most significant features are moderation, respect of others, dialogue and tolerance, rejection of violence and extremism, consolidation of the value of common nationhood and reinforcement of peaceful coexistence.
In this context, Attalaki has launched focus groups for interfaith dialogue in different areas in Tunisia that include religious leaders of different faiths, especially activists among them, in addition to the active participation of young people. And these groups work on key themes, including the concepts of human rights as an international standard, human rights within the framework of national legislation and laws, and freedoms in general, in addition to issues of climate, environment, violent extremism and gender equality. It also includes the concept of citizenship embracing diversity, including the types and problems of diversity, pluralism within the framework of democratic systems, while highlighting the reality of Tunisia. Moreover, we aim through this work to enable religious workers to enhance their abilities and skills in raising awareness, education and active community participation in issues of public affairs, diversity, citizenship, acceptance of difference and building understandings…etc. Therefore, we are well aware of the important role that religious discourse plays in directing and influencing public opinion, whether positively or negatively, especially since a large part of Tunisian society is considered conservative and traditional, and religion still plays a pivotal role in its daily life and behavior.
