DialogUE Archivi | New Humanity https://www.new-humanity.org/en/Projects/dialogue-2-en/ Per un mondo unito Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:02:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5 Final Conference of the DialogUE Project presents and discusses recommendations created by 4 dialogue groups in the European Parliament https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/final-conference-of-the-dialogue-project-presents-and-discusses-recommendations-created-by-4-dialogue-groups-in-the-european-parliament/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:59:06 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=10088 On October 16, 2024, the final conference of the DialogUE project, an initiative to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue in Europe, was held at the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium. The event was hosted by MEP Catarina Martins (GUE-NGL) and was attended by 50 representatives of the project partners, European institutions, religious leaders and members […]

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On October 16, 2024, the final conference of the DialogUE project, an initiative to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue in Europe, was held at the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium. The event was hosted by MEP Catarina Martins (GUE-NGL) and was attended by 50 representatives of the project partners, European institutions, religious leaders and members of civil society.

Focus of the event was the presentation of recommendations for the European Union from the DialogUE project – “Diverse Identities Allied, Open, to Generate a United Europe” on issues crucial to the current European and world situation, summarized in the “DialogUE Kit” brochure.

“You can see with the naked eye that something happens when people of peace talk,” said MEP Catarina Martins of the European Left, who opened the meeting in a hall of the European Parliament. “And this is just such a moment. Dialogue is a powerful tool for peace.”

The project stems from the decades-long commitment of New Humanity, an expression of the Focolare Movement, which has significantly promoted good practices in interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The approach fosters mutual respect and trust, essential elements for fruitful dialogue and collaborative efforts.

Francisco Canzani, general counselor for the Culture and Study area of the Focolare Movement emphasized in his speech that dialogue is built from three elements: attitudes, tools, and method. On the latter, the method of differentiated consensus and qualified dissent, which originated within the platform between Christians and Marxists DIALOP, is now a source of inspiration and practice for other dialogue groups.

In 2023 and 2024, the project involved 4 dialogue groups in 3 main areas: Communication, Ecology and Social Policy. The dialogue groups were:

  • Among Christian citizens through the Together4Europe platform.
  • Between Christians and Muslims through the Focolare Movement’s Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
  • Between Christians and people who do not identify with a religious belief, through the DIALOP platform for cross-religious dialogue
  • Between Western and Eastern European citizens through the Multipolar Dialogue Group.

The project mainly facilitated the dissemination of the meaning and methodologies necessary for effective dialogue. It also brought together international experts on these three key challenges, who helped participants understand the main EU documents on these topics and explore the different dimensions of each theme.

The groups worked together to identify shared principles and common proposals. Their work led to recommendations that were submitted to the European Parliament.

The DialogUE project — was promoted by a consortium of 14 civil society organizations from 9 EU member countries.

Among the main results achieved by the project: 12 international meetings and a training for facilitators and experts; the direct involvement of 1,200 citizens and more than 10,000 indirectly; and the creation of the “Dialogue Kit,” intended for educators, NGOs, and policymakers to promote dialogue and social cohesion. These meetings resulted in shared recommendations for EU decision makers to promote more inclusive and sustainable policies.

In the afternoon of October 16, a discussion group hosted by KU Leuven (University of Leuven) in Brussels was held, during which participants analyzed some good practices that emerged from the project and discussed how to further disseminate these initiatives through the ‘Dialogue Kit.

For information about the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/dialogue/

To review the event click here:

 

Fisrt published by focolare.org.

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DialogUE Project Final Event https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/dialogue-project-final-event/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:26:22 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=9997 The DialogUE project is coming to a close after an incredible two-year journey of dialogue and collaboration across Europe and beyond. We are excited to invite you to our hybrid final event on October 16th, from 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM. This event will be a moment of reflection and sharing, where we will discuss […]

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The DialogUE project is coming to a close after an incredible two-year journey of dialogue and collaboration across Europe and beyond. We are excited to invite you to our hybrid final event on October 16th, from 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM.

This event will be a moment of reflection and sharing, where we will discuss the outcomes of the meaningful dialogues we have facilitated. Join us to celebrate our achievements and the connections made throughout this journey.

🔗 Register now to participate in the evening session: https://forms.office.com/e/DbXiW5EZR2

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Get to know more about the project here!

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Called to unity – Toward an ecology of relationships https://www.new-humanity.org/en/active-citizenship/called-to-unity-toward-an-ecology-of-relationships/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:51:01 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=8728 On March 2, 2024, experts from ten European countries gathered in a webinar titled “Called to Unity – Towards an Ecology of Relationships,” organized by the Together for Europe network, for a profound dialogue and valuable exchange of ideas to contribute to constructing a sustainable future. The event is part of the DialogUE project, which […]

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On March 2, 2024, experts from ten European countries gathered in a webinar titled “Called to Unity – Towards an Ecology of Relationships,” organized by the Together for Europe network, for a profound dialogue and valuable exchange of ideas to contribute to constructing a sustainable future. The event is part of the DialogUE project, which promotes cohesion and dialogue among European citizens. The important commitment of the European Commission in presenting the “European Green Deal,” an ambitious strategy to address environmental challenges, including dramatic climate change, was highlighted.

Participants discussed the importance of a holistic vision of ecology, which concerns the physical environment and our relationship with creation and each other. This vision, termed “ecology of relationships,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need to act together to address global challenges. The centrality of human and divine relationships in this context was highlighted, with an appeal for greater solidarity and collaboration.

Among the speakers, Professor Nicolaos Asproulis, Vice-Director of the Academy of Volos (Greece) for theological studies, emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships and communion as a foundation for addressing ecological challenges. Professor Stefania Papa from the University of Campania delved into the intrinsic relationality of nature, highlighting how every living being is part of a complex network of interactions.

The experts’ interventions underscored the importance of integrating ecological principles into various dimensions of daily life. Various initiatives were presented, from renewable energy communities to promoting sustainable investments. The urgency of systemic changes at the global level to address environmental and social challenges was also discussed.

The event highlighted the importance of receiving and implementing the teachings of Laudato Si’, the Pope’s document that has had a significant impact beyond the Catholic world. Ecumenism emerged as a key element in addressing environmental challenges, with various churches and religious organizations collaborating to promote integral ecology.

Dr. Nikolaos Asproulis, with his background in Eastern theological vision, articulated the centrality of human relationships in the context of divine creation. Don Emanuel Enrique Barrios, Secretary-General of COMECE in Brussels, instead focused on the reception of the principles of Laudato Si’ in ecclesial and social life.

Dr. Lorna Gold of Faithinvest offered a financial perspective, emphasizing the importance of changing investment systems to promote responsible management of financial resources.

Finally, concrete experiences of applying inclusive ecology, embracing both the natural and social environment, were shared. From local actions to reduce noise pollution to ecumenical initiatives for the conservation of creation, a wide range of practices aimed at promoting positive change emerged. These on-the-ground experiences further enriched the debate and underscored the importance of translating ecological ideals into concrete actions for a tangible impact on our world.

📑➡ Find here the texts of the speakers.

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Dialop: “Courage and commitment to dream of a better world”. https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/dialop-courage-and-commitment-to-dream-of-a-better-world/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:31:34 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=8514 An audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday 10 January followed by three days of reflection at the Conference on Integral Ecology at the Sophia University Institute in Loppiano. Two fundamental stages on the path of dialogue between Catholics and Marxists on important issues, beginning with peace. Even though they were just small signs, they are […]

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An audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday 10 January followed by three days of reflection at the Conference on Integral Ecology at the Sophia University Institute in Loppiano. Two fundamental stages on the path of dialogue between Catholics and Marxists on important issues, beginning with peace.

Even though they were just small signs, they are so significant as to consider Dialop’s path as a sort of well-respected special observer on the part of the Catholic Church. The initiative – which began in 2014 – to foster dialogue between Christians and Marxists – experienced a significant moment on Wednesday, 10 January with a private audience with Pope Francis. It was meant to be a ten-minute greeting which would already have been a valuable achievement but Bergoglio spent 40 minutes with the delegation (eight Catholics and seven Marxists).

‘In a world divided by war and polarisation,’ the Pope began, ‘don’t back down, don’t give up, don’t stop dreaming of a better world’, because ‘it has been precisely the great dreams of freedom and equality that have produced breakthroughs and progress’. And he recommended “three attitudes”. First, ‘Have the courage to break the mould to open up, in dialogue, to new paths. Let us cultivate a spirit of encounter and listening with an open heart, excluding noone at a political, social and religious level’. Then, ‘Care for the weak. A civilisation can be ‘measured’ by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Politics that is truly at the service of people cannot allow itself to be dictated by finance and market mechanisms’. Finally, ‘Legality. What we have said so far implies a commitment to fight the scourge of corruption, abuse of power and illegality’. And in the final greeting: ‘I wish you wisdom and courage’.

Another significant sign was the presence of Card. José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, at the opening of the Conference on Integral Ecology, held at the Sophia University Institute from 11 to 13 January. The event was part of the DialogUE Project, funded by the European Union, and had as the main theme ‘For a social and ecological transformation’. Cardinal Tolentino’s speech focused on ‘Integral Ecology in Pope Francis’.

The three-day conference at the Sophia Institute, with more than 40 talks by academics and researchers from various disciplines, brought together economic and political, philosophical and theological, scientific and humanistic aspects from different cultural visions in an exemplary exercise in dialogue. Re-reading Pope Francis’ document ‘Laudato si’ made it possible to highlight, and this is what emerged from the reflection, “the all too weak countermeasures to the climate crisis undertaken so far and the clear failure of important economic-political efforts to avoid global climate collapse”. “There is an urgent need to act quickly”, this appeal was reiterated, but it is indispensable to “start by being aware of a handicap in man’s vision even before the ecological one”.

A further indication of the importance attributed to the Dialop experience lies in the presence of the Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, Spanish priest Manuel Barrios Prieto, on each of the 3 days of the conference.  He spoke at the concluding phase of the conference. Great attention, therefore, was paid to Dialop’s commitment to formulating a transversal social ethical programme as the fruit of dialogue between the Social Thought of the Catholic Church and Marxist Social Critique – ethics enlightened by the vision of integral ecology proposed by Pope Bergoglio.

Ten years ago, neither Walter Baier, a Marxist politician and current president of the European Left, nor Franz Kronreif, an architect and member of the Focolare Movement, both from Austria, who both initiated Dialop would ever have imagined the results of this 2024 stage. ‘The meeting with Pope Francis,’ Baier remarked, ‘opens a new chapter between the Left in Europe and the Catholic Church. And what has matured at Sophia marks the development of that dialogue because it showed how rich the knowledge we are able to mobilise is’. A particular perspective has also opened up for Kronreif: ‘Based on the path we have been able to take and the experience we are gaining, we can expand to other dialogues or integrate other subjects into our dialogue to safeguard the people, nature, justice and peace’.

Paolo Lòriga

This article was first published on focolare.org

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“What is the role of Christian communities in Europe today?”, Interview with prof. Philip McDonagh  https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/what-is-the-role-of-christian-communities-in-europe-today-interview-with-prof-philip-mcdonagh/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:34:49 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=8206 In the complex sociopolitical context that Europe is currently experiencing, leaders of Together for Europe (Insieme per Europa) gathered from November 16-18, 2023 in Timisoara, Romania, to address an important question, “What is the role of Christian communities in Europe today?” This question has gained relevance in the face of global issues such as various […]

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In the complex sociopolitical context that Europe is currently experiencing, leaders of Together for Europe (Insieme per Europa) gathered from November 16-18, 2023 in Timisoara, Romania, to address an important question, “What is the role of Christian communities in Europe today?” This question has gained relevance in the face of global issues such as various ongoing conflicts, migration dynamics, and the climate crisis.  

As part of the EU-funded DialogUE project, the annual “Together for Europe” meeting also addressed issues aimed at developing advice and recommendations for EU social policies. Professor Philip McDonagh, a former Irish diplomat and director of the “Center for Religion, Human Values and International Relations” at Dublin City University (DCU) stressed the importance of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and emphasized the contribution of Churches in public debate.  

You can now read a complete interview with prof. McDonagh. 

 

 What does Article 17 say and why is it important? 

Article 17 provides for a structured dialogue between the European institutions, churches and faith communities. It’s unique in the world because it’s an open, transparent dialogue on the great questions of society. 

From the point of view of the European Union, the great benefit is that this is a channel for dialogue, on the deep questions of society. A German jurist, Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde, spent many decades developing his analysis that political societies, democracies, depend on cultural conditions. You can’t pass a law saying “We will trust one another.” Trust has to be earned. It has to be created by initiatives and by education. So Article 17 is a perfect means of creating these conditions on which a good democracy depends. It’s very good for the churches and it’s very good for public authorities. The temptation for churches and faith communities is to be a little bit lost in their own internal world and Article 17 is a way out, it generates new forms of leadership within the churches. For public authorities, instead, the great danger is to be on a treadmill, from week to week, with no time to think about the high level values and Article 17 is an antidote to that. So it’s very good for both sides.  

 

You mentioned transparent dialogue on great questions of society. How Christian communities and the European Union can work together?   

Well, one very obvious answer is that Christian communities have social capitals. They have schools, hospitals, charities, which help people who may otherwise not be looked after very well. But I think that’s the easy answer. The more important answer is that the churches go back to the first principles and ask, what is life in society about? We have a bigger language. For example: hope. What is hope? What does it mean to live in hope, to act in hope? So that’s a philosophical contribution to the public debate.

If our high-level values would include compassion, concern, solidarity, respect for pluralism… how do you translate that into day-to-day policies when it comes to the cost of housing or renting a house for young people, for example? We tried to connect the big language of the churches to day-to-day issues, which is not easy, but it’s a much needed contribution. Of course, we’re not talking about a theocracy, we’re not talking about any church having the last word or making the final decision. But churches can provoke the right kinds of discussion. 

 

Some argue that, historically, Europe was funded by Christians values and the loss of it is one of the causes of today’s crisis. What’s your view on this? 

Well, I’m not so comfortable by saying that Europe is based on Christian values. There are so many terrible chapters in history that we have to be very careful about saying that. One of the learnings of the churches in the last century is that we actually share values with people from other backgrounds, we can always find a common ground, the same structural questions appear in all societies. So as Christians, we would have to have the deepest respect for Gandhi, for example, in India, who was very respectful of Christianity and was not a Christian. We have to talk the language of human values, we have to be very humble about what has gone wrong in our own history. We have to work with all people of goodwill, to work out in a new way, in new circumstances, what the key human values really are. That is the task where the churches can make a huge contribution.  

If you’re a Christian, what does the revelation in Christ bring that is new? That is not in other traditions? So that is a key question. I don’t think, though, it’s the level of mainstream values because you can usually arrive at those values at different routes. It’s perhaps more about the forgiveness of sins, the possibility of new beginnings and the sense that injustice never has the last word. It’s a faith in the ultimate truth of peace, of hope.   

 

How do you see the future of Europe? 

I think we have to travel in hope. I don’t think Schuman or the great foundational thinkers of Europe had a final blueprint or a single model. They wanted to develop new layers of solidarity, and not only within the present borders of the European Union.  

In the world as it is today, we have to think very seriously about multilateralism. We have to think of the world as having shared problems. So whatever direction we take in the European Union, it has to be seen as positive by the global community as a whole. And that really requires a lot of attention. What would the global South think of our ambitions for Europe?  

We have a standard of living in the European Union, which most of the Middle East or Africa would love to have. So what are our responsibilities to those countries from which migration happens towards Europe? How are we going to have peace among all the peoples of Europe? I don’t see how we can have a concept of Europe that excludes Russia. Today is very important that the European Union have a dialogue with China, a dialogue based on values. Both of us subscribed to the SDG’s (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). That is already a large area of shared values. In this dialogue, the churches can play an important part. The churches are present in almost every country in the world and that is a very important resource when it comes to intercultural dialogue. 

But also there are other countries who run the risk of being excluded. Turkey has been an applicant join the European Union for decades. Can we have a vision of Europe that does not include all the countries of the Balkans? So perhaps part of the solution is to keep developing the European Framework of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe), as well as developing the further integration of the European Union and enlarging its boundaries. So you could have two projects taking place at once, which will, hopefully, ultimately reinforce one another. 

 

➡ Know more about the DialogUE Project. 

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Spaces for life: a call for unity from Together for Europe in Timisoara https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/spaces-for-life-a-call-for-unity-from-together-for-europe-in-timisoara/ Sat, 18 Nov 2023 14:47:30 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=8068 The city of Timisoara, Romania, recently hosted the annual meeting of Together for Europe (IpE) on the theme “Called to Unity.” This meeting brought together 51 movements representing more than 300 Christian realities and communities within IpE’s vast network. Creating living spaces in the cracks In the complex sociopolitical context that Europe is currently experiencing, […]

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The city of Timisoara, Romania, recently hosted the annual meeting of Together for Europe (IpE) on the theme “Called to Unity.” This meeting brought together 51 movements representing more than 300 Christian realities and communities within IpE’s vast network.

Creating living spaces in the cracks
In the complex sociopolitical context that Europe is currently experiencing, leaders of Together for Europe (IpE) gathered from November 16-18, 2023 in Timisoara, Romania, to address an important question, “What is the role of christian communities in Europe today?” This question has gained relevance in the face of global issues such as various ongoing conflicts, migration dynamics, and the climate crisis.

Herbert Lauenroth, historian and member of IpE’s Steering Committee, emphasized the crisis affecting all Churches and highlighted the weight of the moment: “Where is Europe today, Together for Europe? What kind of Europe, what kind of ‘Togetherness’ are we moving toward?” Against a backdrop of growing uncertainty, participants discussed what “Together for Europe” means, trying to discern the direction and future prospects.

From the first sessions, it was evident that the choice of Timisoara as the venue for the meeting added an extra layer of significance. The European Capital of Culture 2023 is a testimony to the harmonious coexistence of different christian denominations, where diverse communities meet and thrive in unity.

Cultivating unity
The attendees participated in dialogue sessions, engaged together in intellectual discourse, experiential workshops and prayer times. Six workshops explored topics such as social integration, youth perspectives, ethics and non-violence, promoting a deeper understanding of diversity within the Christian community.

One highlight was a visit to the Orthodox Cathedral Museum, followed by Vespers in the city’s Orthodox Cathedral, attended by dignitaries and religious leaders from the different churches present. Particularly powerful was the moment of prayer for peace in which conflicts around the world were named, with a focus on Ukraine and the Middle East. All participants pledged their commitment to unity, making a pact of mutual love. A moment that was meant to symbolize the cornerstone on which a fraternal Europe is founded.

 

Linking values to policies
As part of the EU-funded DialogUE project, the annual “Together for Europe” meeting also addressed issues aimed at developing advice and recommendations for EU social policies. Professor Philip McDonagh, a former Irish diplomat and director of Dublin University’s “Center for Religion, Human Values and International Relations,” stressed the importance of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This article promotes open and transparent dialogue on major social issues facing Europe through high-level meetings and seminars for dialogue and work between european institutions and Churches, as well as non-denominational and philosophical organizations.

The professor emphasized the contribution of Churches in public debate, drawing on their philosophical foundations, values of compassion, care, solidarity, and respect for pluralism. He hoped that Churches would work to bridge the gap between high-level values and everyday policies, offering a much-needed perspective on issues such as peace, inclusion, and integration. Calling for a multilateral approach, he stressed the need for Europe to be perceived positively by the global community and highlighted the responsibility to consider the perspectives of the Global South.

Christian denominations present: Greek Orthodox, Romanian, Armenian and Russian Orthodox, Greek, Roman and Old Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican and Free Churches.

First published at Focolare.org

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Insights from GreenCare in Belgium https://www.new-humanity.org/en/ecology/insights-from-greencare-in-belgium-building-an-ecological-global-community/ Sun, 29 Oct 2023 09:58:47 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=7746 Together for the sake of the planet: this is the impetus behind the GreenCare meeting, an event organised on the initiative of Multipolar Dialogue that took place in Belgium from 25 to 29 October 2023 Ecology, a topic of growing global interest, has increasingly attracted the interest of many. Pope Francis emphasizes the urgent need […]

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Together for the sake of the planet: this is the impetus behind the GreenCare meeting, an event organised on the initiative of Multipolar Dialogue that took place in Belgium from 25 to 29 October 2023

Ecology, a topic of growing global interest, has increasingly attracted the interest of many. Pope Francis emphasizes the urgent need to address environmental issues through his encyclical “Laudato Si’. Despite these calls, the stark reality remains: there have been too few tangible improvements. What is missing in our collective efforts and what more can we do to protect our planet? To seek answers to these questions and find ways  to act collectively, a diverse group of 50 people from over 13 different countries convened at the Centrum Eenheid, in Rotselaar, Belgium, from October 25th to 29th 2023 for a transformative four-day event. Their mission: to engage in dialogue, acquire knowledge, and exchange experiences in the pursuit of better care for our planet.

Organized by Multipolar Dialogue, an initiative that brings together citizens from East and West Europe in a methodology based on the practice of a “pact of love” on which can be built a space of trust, the event offered a rich mixture of lectures, talks, dialogues, and best practices, creating a dynamic space for sharing experiences and knowledge. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking dialogues on a range of topics, such as, sustainable development, biodiversity, integral ecology and noise reduction. In addition to these dialogues, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, such as initiatives like school and community gardens, “Greening Africa Together“, “Grüne Dach Impulse”, while they also took part  in workshop in workshops.

Moreover, the event was graced by the presence of esteemed experts whose insights elevated the dialogues and provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions. Dr. Helmut Maurer, an authority on environmental matters, shared invaluable perspectives during an interview focused on the implementation of the Green Deal, shedding light on the practical steps needed to address environmental issues. Lorna Gold, the Chair of the Laudato Si Movement and CEO at FaithInvest, brought her wealth of experience to the event, inspiring participants with her wisdom and vision.

A multi-project endeavor

This event was not just a standalone gathering but a crucial component of the broader initiative “Project DialogUE“. The overarching goal of this initiative is to actively engage with citizens, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and ideas. As part of this mission, the event had a distinct purpose: to facilitate meaningful dialogues and craft proposals that could be presented to the European Union. In pursuit of this objective, participants had the unique opportunity to visit EU institutions, gaining deeper insights into the processes and avenues through which their proposals and requests could be channeled.

“Project DialogUE” aligns with the commitment of the Focolare movement to listen to the cry of the earth and respond to its needs. This commitment is encapsulated in the EcoPlan – the Focolare Movement statement for Integral Ecology – that was also presented during the event, outlining a path towards a more sustainable and integral ecological conscious future.

Connecting for change

Beyond the invaluable knowledge gained and the experiences shared, these four days left a profound impact on the participants. They felt more than just attendees; they became part of a global community with a shared concern for our planet’s well-being. The sense of connection, dialogue, and collective purpose was palpable, as individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries came together to answer the cry of the earth. As Anna Waibel, a driving force behind the School Gardens project in Austria, expressed, “For me it was really awesome to see that my school is not the only place that tries to change something, but that others also want to do so. I noticed that nothing works without community and acting together.” Anny Hesius, the Multipolar Dialogue coordinator from Belgium, aptly summarized the collective sentiment, saying, “The proposal was to offer each other t

o listen and exchange knowledge and it has made us more aware, stronger, more co-responsible and more decisive. We have become a true family. Protagonists of peace and justice, of love toward the inhabitants of the earth and our common home”

In these four days, participants not only expanded their ecological knowledge but also found a sense of purpose and community, leaving with a renewed determination to collaborate and bring about meaningful change on a global scale.

[See image gallery at www.new-humanity.org]
First published by focolare.org

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Connecting with Others – Practising the Art of Dialogue https://www.new-humanity.org/en/news/connecting-with-others-practising-the-art-of-dialogue-2/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:40:21 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/news/connecting-with-others-practising-the-art-of-dialogue-2/ On June 17, 2023 New Humanity , in collaboration with UCOII (Union of Islamic Communities of Italy), organized an online workshop, part of the “DialogUE Project,”  focused on addressing media disinformation, fake news, polarization, and Islamophobia. Communication experts from both Catholic and Muslim backgrounds engaged in in-depth discussions. Catholics and Muslims who are already involved […]

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On June 17, 2023 New Humanity , in collaboration with UCOII (Union of Islamic Communities of Italy), organized an online workshop, part of the “DialogUE Project,”  focused on addressing media disinformation, fake news, polarization, and Islamophobia. Communication experts from both Catholic and Muslim backgrounds engaged in in-depth discussions. Catholics and Muslims who are already involved in interreligious dialogue shared their personal and collective experiences.

Titled “Connecting with Others,” the workshop garnered 365 registrations from 21 European and 31 non-European countries, offering language options in English, Italian, German, and French.

The workshop content featured three main speakers, experts in the discussed themes, followed by six individuals who shared their Christian-Muslim interfaith experiences.

Luciano di Mele, an Italian communication scholar, was the first speaker, highlighting the manipulation of communication through disinformation and fake news. He emphasized the role of media education in countering misinformation.

Ramazan Özgü, a Swiss Muslim professor, stressed the importance of involving minority voices in major discussions, emphasizing dialogue as a platform for public discourse. Structural barriers hindering Muslim participation were addressed.

The significance of interreligious dialogue between Catholics and Muslims in breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusivity and strong democracy was underscored. The Focolare Movement’s dialogical approach was praised for improving relations and integrating Muslim refugees in Europe.

Ramazan supported the Swiss initiative “We Are Also Here,” empowering Muslim youth in media engagement and political involvement. The value of alliances between minority groups was emphasized, along with initiatives against online hate.

The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) was lauded as a step towards a fairer digital landscape, promoting transparency and countering hate speech. The importance of regulating digital platforms to ensure equitable representation and combat misinformation was highlighted.

The essence of democratic societies lies in dialogue, transcending boundaries and understanding diverse perspectives. Interfaith dialogue was hailed as a valuable platform for sharing ideas, fostering mutual understanding, and cooperation among religious groups.

The third speaker, Michele Zanzucchi, addressed Islamophobia in Europe, highlighting the complex relationship between Europe and the Islamic world. He suggested mutual understanding and using religion to resolve conflicts as antidotes.

Various speakers shared initiatives promoting interfaith understanding, such as breakfast gatherings and cultural events. They stressed education, mutual respect, and acknowledging shared values to promote unity.

Participants identified two principles: reciprocity and dialogue, and fraternity. They proposed actions like fostering interaction, educating youth about human rights and dialogue, promoting good practices, and disseminating government initiatives supporting minorities.

 

Click HERE for a full description of the workshop

L'articolo Connecting with Others – Practising the Art of Dialogue proviene da New Humanity.

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Communication in times of war: a transversal dialogue for a common ethics https://www.new-humanity.org/en/dialogue/communication-in-times-of-war-a-transversal-dialogue-for-a-common-ethics/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 09:49:04 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=7801 During the World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal, DIALOP’s journey goes one step further. From 20 countries, 134 young peolpe participated in the workshop “Communication in times of war” promoted by DIALOP during the WYD to discuss how social media and digital technology may become traps of conspiracy and tendentious interests during conflicts.  The journey  Christianity and […]

L'articolo Communication in times of war: a transversal dialogue for a common ethics proviene da New Humanity.

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During the World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal, DIALOP’s journey goes one step further. From 20 countries, 134 young peolpe participated in the workshop “Communication in times of war” promoted by DIALOP during the WYD to discuss how social media and digital technology may become traps of conspiracy and tendentious interests during conflicts. 

The journey 

Christianity and Socialism – two movements with very different characteristics – have been for long at loggerheads with each other, but have nevertheless both shaped world history in past centuries. It is based on the idea that the biggest challenges of the world today cannot be solved alone, DIALOP fosters dialogue of good willing persons, with secular and religious backgrounds, especially between Socialist/Marxists and Christians to create a transformative transversal ethic.

Bringing DIALOP to the World Youth Day is part of the “DialogUE Project” which, in collaboration with the European Community involves 14 civil society organizations, explores and develops the often challenging dialogue between different groups, in order to shape a Europe that is ever more an expression of that “unity in multiplicity”.

The preparation involving both Christian and Marxist-socialist experts started 6 months before the event, a committed and laborious path towards the WYD. The challenges were many, such as finding a dynamic way of mediating heavy content like conflict and communication, different languages, countries and backgrounds. “The emotion of standing before a generation that is hungry for a calming, reasoned, clear truth and hope and being able to give some of this”, Luisa Sello, one of the coordinators of the project shares her impressions.

Youth in dialogue

War and its destructive potential influence the structure of communication, transform the perception of facts, and instrumentalize language and mindsets. In such context, social media and digital technology may become traps of conspiracy and tendentious interests. Can we approach the truth? Can we react or are we convicted to destroy relationships with humans, countries, populations because of lies and misinformation? How can we keep making choices, build relationships, and stand with truth and justice?

The workshop addressed all these challenges and engaged the youth to build on proposals for the European Union, which will be collected and presented to the EU within the European Commission funding project CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme) in March 2024. After panels and dynamics discussions, the question “what can we do?” resonated among the youth. The desire of being part of a transformation as a changemaker is at the heart of each young person present.

Steven, from the USA, wants to become a priest and travel overseas to help people shared his perplexities: “I can’t even tell my parents to stop reading sources of information that are problematic. When Jesus returned from Nazareth he was rejected by his family. So many of us have lost hope. Where do we get our hope back? That’s why we’re here at the WYD.”

Adriana, a journalism student from Argentina felt encouraged by the workshop “Our role as the youth is very important to fight against disinformation and it can be done also in a fun way. If we create community we can be stronger.”

Towards a transversal ethics

The course of history depends not only on the strength of ideas but more heavily on the evolution of political and economic interests that integrate more than once only pale reflections of these ideas. The calling of Pope Francis in 2014 that inspired DIALOP to initiate a transversal dialogue continues to unfold.

When asked by a young person how to create a common ethical framework when there is so much division, Walter Baier, the President of the Party of the European Left answered: “Pope Francis said that we have to accept conflict as something natural, what we need to know is what to do with the conflict. The fact that Christians and marxists coming from very different traditions, even with very different languages, can sit together and work on a common framework is an example of dialogue.”

Angelina Giannopoulou, from transform!europe and José Manuel Pureza from Bloco de Esquerda also lectured besides Michele Zanzucchi and Ana Clara Giovani from Sophia University together with Maria Chiara de Lorenzo from the Focolare Movement. In the future, as part of DialogUE Project, DIALOP will hold other symposia on ecology and social policies. For more information, access https://dialop.eu

First published by focolare.org

L'articolo Communication in times of war: a transversal dialogue for a common ethics proviene da New Humanity.

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Europe: the challenge of unity in diversity. Second round of the DialogUE project https://www.new-humanity.org/en/news/europe-the-challenge-of-unity-in-diversity-second-round-of-the-dialogue-project/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:55:27 +0000 https://www.new-humanity.org/?p=6978 Following a first round of the DialogUE project sponsored by New Humanity, which began with eight online events on Feb. 18, 2023 organized by Foundation for Sophia, DialogUE will continue with a three-day online and in-person event March 15-17, 2023 in Rome at La Sapienza University. The meeting is coordinated by NetOne together with Eco-One, […]

L'articolo Europe: the challenge of unity in diversity. Second round of the DialogUE project proviene da New Humanity.

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Following a first round of the DialogUE project sponsored by New Humanity, which began with eight online events on Feb. 18, 2023 organized by Foundation for Sophia, DialogUE will continue with a three-day online and in-person event March 15-17, 2023 in Rome at La Sapienza University. The meeting is coordinated by NetOne together with Eco-One, Social-One, and the Politics for Unity Movement.

It will be an opportunity for the partner associations to receive specific training in three topics of interest to the European Union for this project: ecological sustainability, policies to mitigate social inequalities, and disinformation.

The goal of the project is precisely to connect and train I leaders of projects acting in the world of dialogue. That for example between different Christian churches, between Catholics and Muslims, between Catholics and non-denominational citizens or between Western and Eastern Europe.

The meeting, which will begin during the Ides of March will begin by looking back and remembering the roots, values and pillars on which Europe was born, The program is open to all in online format in the following sections:

  • Wednesday, March 15 4:15-5:30 p.m.-European roots: toward cohesion among countries starting with the founders-with Paolo Giusta
  • Wednesday 5:45-7:00 p.m.: DialogUE to make it equal-with Letizia De Torre
  • Thursday 16 9.00-10.45 am: The challenges of the future in Europe – with Pasquale Ferrara and Patrizia Toia

 

L'articolo Europe: the challenge of unity in diversity. Second round of the DialogUE project proviene da New Humanity.

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