Berkley Center

One of the remarkable trends of the past several decades has been the growth of interreligious dialogue and understanding. While differing on theological matters, the leaders of the religious traditions that encompass most of humanity increasingly emphasize overlapping ethical commitments to human dignity and equality, social and environmental justice, and peace. The proliferation of global interfaith meetings and declarations since the turn of the century attests to this historic transformation.

Of course, religious-inspired hatred and violence persists within and across religious communities—often encouraged and exploited by political leaders. But the global rise of interreligious understanding, described by José Casanova as an unprecedented process of mutual recognition, is a significant and welcome development in a world increasingly divided along national, political, and ideological lines.

Unfortunately, the rise of interfaith movements has not gone hand in hand with any significant impact on the global agenda. Political and policy elites at the national and international level routinely ignore the appeals of the religious leaders. Some of the G20 leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro this week may take passing notice of the policy recommendations articulated by the G20 Interfaith Forum, a prominent multireligious network. But they are very unlikely to let them influence their own thinking. 

Why the gap between interfaith encounter and policy impact, and how can it be closed? 

Much of the problem lies with the structure of the international system, which favors states and their economic and security interests to the detriment of global civil society, where religious communities thrive. But many of the failings of interfaith collaboration are homemade, including internal divisions, weak leadership, and intergenerational divides. Unless the interfaith movement can more effectively rally around common policy agendas, recruit effective leaders with material resources at their disposal, and tap the energy of youth wary of “organized religion” in most all of its forms, it will never have sustained policy impact. 

To form effective alliances with policymakers, at the national level or in international forums such the UN, the G20, and the European Union, faith leaders must do more than address their own failings. They must also build systematically on inherent strengths, including the domestic political influence of religious communities, robust transnational networks, and a global horizon and frame of reference. The secular leaders of governments and international organizations are more likely to heed the voices of religious communities that work together to flex their political muscle, mobilize effectively across borders, and articulate a compelling shared vision of the global common good. 

The timing is right for such an effort. Today’s political and policy elites face a deep crisis of self-confidence and legitimacy. As they grapple with global challenges ranging from economic growth and social inequality to climate crisis and war, they often lack what religious communities, at their best, can offer: strong grassroots support, alliances that transcend borders, and inspiring visions for a more just and peaceful world. 

In our broken world the case for deeper cooperation between religious and secular leaders around global issues is stronger than ever. But it has to be made persuasively and patiently, issue by issue and forum by forum. Faith leaders and interfaith networks should take the initiative. Their historical success in addressing religious divisions and building what Pope Francis calls a “culture of encounter” contrasts with the rising political and ideological polarization we see around us in today’s world. Rather than being discouraged by their lack of impact to date, religious and interfaith communities should resolve to do everything in their power to advance religious-secular collaboration for the global common good. Looking forward, there is every reason for hope.