Interreligious Dialogue in Thailand and the Philippines: Overview, Trends and Trajectories

Abstract

This study gives an overview on how inter-religious dialogue (IRD) is used as a tool to transform conflict and build peace in two southeast Asian contexts, the Mindanao of the Philippines and three Southernmost provinces of Thailand where ethnic conflict becomes protracted. The study employs secondary data analysis using both academic articles and reports of activity from various organizations and agencies. It finds out that in both contexts the practice and usage of IRD are shaped by both international trends on IRD and the local actors’ perceptions on conflict and their roles in conflict transformation (CT) and peace building (PB). Most actors regard IRD as a good platform for trust, relationship, and capacity building for the affected communities. In both contexts the elicitive approach in IRD is present. IRD of the Philippines seems to project more vital elicitive traits as there is a stronger and more active involvement of religious leaders and institutions in IRD. In both contexts, IRD is and will be most likely regarded as a part of conflict transformation and peacebuilding schemes by state and non-state actors alike. However, because of its rather indirect and long-term impact to conflict and violent situation, it will most likely not occupy the prime position in those schemes.