Interreligious Dialogue
A major initiative of global Scouting is participating in and supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. A significant theme of this Scouting initiative includes Peace and Community initiatives like training for and program activities in interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Every Scouts for SDGs initiative takes us on a journey with lots of activities and opportunities to learn about and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You’ll find activities and challenges under the themes of:
- Peace and Community
- Environment and Sustainability
- Health and Well-being
- Life Skills
Under each of these themes, you’ll find challenges you can take on.
After a decade of successful projects, the Messengers of Peace programme is transforming into an umbrella for a number of activity badges and training available through WOSM as adopted by the BSA and other NSOs around the world. Rather than a stand alone program, MoP will offer a number of programs and activities under the theme of Peace and Community:
Ready for a more peaceful world? Have you earned your religious emblem and looking to take it to the next level? re you looking to discover, understand and make friends in a diverse and inclusive world of different religions? Maybe you are a Scouter who wants to promote dialogue skills training and interreligious encounter? Two challenges under the Messengers of Peace umbrella focus on building dialogue skills and promoting interreligious dialogue:
The Dialogue for Peace programme has been developed in a cooperative effort between WOSM, the World Scout Interreligious Forum, and KAICIID (International Center for Dialogue). Scouts of various ages can complete a series of activities to earn this challenge badge, introducing them to the principles and skills needed for dialogue.
Transatlantic Council is one of the first in the BSA to have a trained Dialogue for Peace Ambassador.
The Interreligious Dialogue Challenge will encourage you to become knowledgeable, self-assured and appreciative of spiritual and religious diversity. Scouts of various ages can complete a series of activities to earn this challenge badge, introducing them to the various world religions, help you feel more spiritually developed and fulfilled, while promoting harmony among different faiths.
Transatlantic Council is one of the first in the BSA to pilot this badge.
For older scouts (Sea Scout, Venturing age) and Scouters, training is being developed to certify Facilitators and Trainers in Dialogue for Peace. If you are interested in pursuing one of these challenges, to learn more about Dialogue for Peace training, or how to get more involved, contact a member of the Religious Relationships Committee.
