“Peace, Love & Happiness – Is interfaith dialogue always as harmonious as it sounds?”

Fellow Name:

Anja Fahlenkamp

Country:

Germany

Description

The workshop brought together 13 participants from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Atheist backgrounds for a meaningful exchange on the realities of living in an interfaith society. Discussions explored both the challenges and opportunities of interfaith coexistence, with participants reflecting on why dialogue can be difficult, yet ultimately valuable in building mutual understanding and trust.

The event attracted a diverse audience beyond youth participants, including individuals in their 40s and 50s, creating a valuable intergenerational dimension to the dialogue. This broadened participation enriched the conversations and deepened the range of perspectives shared.

The session contributed to the development of new interfaith relationships, with participants forming initial friendships and expressing a strong desire for continued engagement. There was unanimous agreement on the importance of follow-up workshops to sustain dialogue and further strengthen connections.

Key insights and outcomes from the discussions were later developed into an exhibition on conflict and coexistence, extending the impact of the workshop and translating dialogue into a public learning resource.