Learning in religions programme
 Intercultural encounter is a daily experience in this London school |
Interreligious/inter-cultural encounter affords many opportunities for ecumenical learning. While some countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, have long experience in this area, such daily encounter and learning is a fairly new experience in most countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Ecumenical learning through interreligious/intercultural encounter surely contributes to conflict prevention and peace learning. So far, educators in this area do not have their own networks, nor the means to foster regular exchange of experiences; our programme thus seeks to respond to this need. |
| The
programme also tries to investigate the understanding and relevance of knowledge
transferral (learning) in given religious traditions. It assumes that the
way we teach is affected by and affects the value systems embedded in peoples'
religio-cultural settings. It thus explores knowledge transferral methods
and understandings in other religions, brings them into constructive dialogue
with each other, and supports religiously sensitive education by identifying
learning materials.
Three Learning in Religions workshops took place in 2000: "The Bangkok consultation attempted to strengthen exchange between different religious traditions on learning. What can they learn from each other and what do they have in common in this area? All alike are confronted with rapid changes pointing to a future knowledge-based society in which the accessibility and storage of knowledge, technological illiteracy, the future of cultural value systems will be vital issues. At the same time, how learning benefits people's welfare remains a central issue. Sharing their experiences, successes and failures, provided many opportunities for mutural encouragement and learning." "At this point in history, two main trends - globalization and pluralism - are the focus of the ecumenical movement, and are decisive elements influencing societies and all areas of education all over the world. Both trends present challenges and opportunites for intercultural and interreligious exchange and learning." Consultation announcement |
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