30 April 2025
Interreligious Relations (IRR) Issue 32 – Social Cohesion: Is Religion a Help or a Hindrance? by Alan Race
Abstract:
This paper offers a theologically informed reflection on how religious diversity may be a matter of contestation in society, noting the need not just for reflection on this as a social issue, or one that focuses on ethics, but needing a sustained focus on the teachings of religions. It is largely based in the UK context, using the city of Leicester as a key case study, but offers thoughts and reflections relevant to policy makers, religious leaders, and interfaith practitioners more widely. The paper draws from a lifetime of experience and frames this within academic debates but is also a personal reflection of experience and what such praxis has taught one particular priest and interfaith practitioner. It looks at both the dangers and potential of religious traditions in seeking social cohesion.
Abstract:
This paper offers a theologically informed reflection on how religious diversity may be a matter of contestation in society, noting the need not just for reflection on this as a social issue, or one that focuses on ethics, but needing a sustained focus on the teachings of religions. It is largely based in the UK context, using the city of Leicester as a key case study, but offers thoughts and reflections relevant to policy makers, religious leaders, and interfaith practitioners more widely. The paper draws from a lifetime of experience and frames this within academic debates but is also a personal reflection of experience and what such praxis has taught one particular priest and interfaith practitioner. It looks at both the dangers and potential of religious traditions in seeking social cohesion.
