Interreligöse Bildung und Demokratie | Eugen-Biser-Stiftung

In the organizer's words:

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and right-wing radicalism are on the rise and threaten social cohesion

SALON LUITPOLD in cooperation with the Eugen Biser Foundation

In recent years, we have seen an increase in cultural, religious and political conflicts. Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and right-wing radicalism are coming to a head and threatening social cohesion. But how can conflicts be prevented from escalating? How can resources for social cohesion and for shaping religious diversity be strengthened?

Social processes quickly become visible in schools in particular. Teachers are currently facing major challenges in providing young people with the necessary support, orientation and perspectives. There is often a lack of knowledge, time and resources. The panel discussion will address these questions about concepts and ideas as well as the challenges and opportunities of democracy education that addresses religious diversity from four different perspectives:

Simone Fleischmann, President of the Bavarian Teachers' Association, sees schools as the central place to promote dialog and democracy at an early stage. The productive use of religion plays a central role in this. A "religion-sensitive school" is urgently needed to teach diversity and tolerance. Religious sensitivity is a fundamental educational task and works against prejudice, half-knowledge and discrimination.

Rupert Grübl, Director of the Bavarian State Center for Political Education, also emphasizes the need for young people to learn democratic processes and become aware that each and every individual contributes to a successful democracy. To this end, it is essential to teach values that tackle anti-Semitism and stand up for the democratic principles of human dignity, human rights and religious freedom.

With "Interreligious Democracy Education", the Eugen Biser Foundation has developed a program to bring young people closer to different religious and ideological perspectives. They are encouraged to enter into a respectful dialog, to endure opposing positions and to oppose intolerance. Dr. Sabine Exner-Krikorian, head of the program, will report on her experiences of working with teachers and pupils.

Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Naurath will show that teacher training is particularly important. She has established the supplementary course "Certificate in Interreligious Mediation" for prospective teachers and educators of all subjects at the University of Augsburg. It provides religious studies, theological, legal and didactic expertise in dealing with religious diversity in the school environment

Under the moderation of Burkhard Schäfers, the panelists will discuss the importance of integrating religious diversity, values and interreligious education for the entire school environment and thus for our democracy.

The event is part of the "Religion and Democracy" network(www.religionunddemokratie.org).

Image rights: Patrick Doodt

Price information:

SALON Discourse: free of charge + € 3.90 | Box Office € 5.00 SALON Musique: € 16 + € 3.90 | Box Office € 28.00 SALON Menu: € 44 + € 4.90 SALON Etagère: € 26 + € 3.90 Furthermore, we allow students and children under 16 years to buy discounted tickets with proof.