THEO-3920: Religious Pluralism in the Middle East & Islamic World

An ongoing research effort, the Pluralism Project studies and interprets religious diversity and interfaith relations in the United States

This resource describes what religious pluralism is and what it is not.

For years, religious pluralism and its accompanying stability have been in decline in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. But the depredations of ISIS have endangered the very existence of Christianity and other religious minorities who are necessary for the survival of pluralism and stability. At this event, Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda, who has been on the front lines of the ISIS war in Iraq, addressed the daunting challenges faced by Christians, Yazidis, Kakai, and Muslims. He addressed his work to advocate for and protect Christians and other minorities under siege. He also discussed the work of the Catholic University of Erbil, which he founded in 2015 as a staging ground to defend pluralism and a multireligious future for Iraq.

The Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, charitable organization founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada. The Centre works with policy leaders, educators and community builders around the world to amplify and implement the transformative power of pluralism.