Course: Religious Diversity and Dialogue
Module 1
Existing diversity
In this module, we will explore historical background and current landscape of religious diversity. In particular we invite discussion on how religious buildings may be a gateway to the presence of minorities both in a country’s history and in contemporary society.
Video 1
This module will primarily explore religious diversity in Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq, and India. The comparison may provide a basis for insight into both similarities and differences in the role different traditions play in the national heritage and current religious landscape of the countries.
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    Diversity in Selected Countries
    In this section, we explore religious diversity in Tunisia, Indonesia, Iraq and India providing insights into the unique features of religious coexistence within these diverse cultural landscapes. In most countries, there may be a lack of visible representation of certain religious groups for various reasons. This can be seen in the absence of religious buildings, which are often key symbols of religious presence in a community. However, religious diversity extends beyond visible markers and can be expressed through clothing, food, lived experiences, traditions, and more. Nonetheless, as highlighted in these films, religious buildings remain central to explore both diversity and cultural heritage.
Video 2
Film
Diversity in Tunisia
In Tunisia, the majority of the population identifies as Sunni Muslim. However, the country has a long history of religious diversity, including other Muslim traditions, as well as Christian, Jewish, and other belief groups. This diversity is visible in churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious sites in Tunis and across the country. For example, the Jewish community has been present since ancient times. The El Ghriba synagogue on Djerba Island, one of the oldest in the world, remains an important pilgrimage site. These films offer an opportunity to explore some of the religious diversity in Tunisia.
Video 3
Film
Diversity in Indonesia
The majority of Indonesia’s population are Sunni Muslims. Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and other religious minorities also have deep historical roots in the country. This film highlights the unique diversity of Bali, where the majority of the population identify as Hindus. Other religious groups, including Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, and Buddhists, live on the island. The presence of religious buildings, both from a historical and contemporary perspectives, highlights the religious diversity and co-existence within a country. These structures often reflect the intricate fabric of religious plurality that has shaped the nation’s identity and are celebrated as an integral part of its national heritage.
Video 3
Film
Diversity in Iraq
The majority in Iraq identify as Shia or Sunni Muslims. But Iraq has rich ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity, including Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, Sabean Mandeans, Bahá'ís and various Christian denominations. The country also has a Jewish heritage, going back to ancient times. This diversity is visible in ancient holy sites across the country, such as in Erbil, Alqosh, Amediya, Lalesh and other places.
Video 3
Film
Diversity in India
India is a country known for its rich religious diversity and traditions. In this film, we explore the diversity in Delhi, which largely reflects India’s religious landscape. While the majority of the population in India is Hindu, many other religions have long-standing traditions in the country.
Questions to the films:
  • 1
    What do the stories in these films reveal about the religious diversity in all the countries highlighted in this module, and how do they compare to one another?
  • 2
    Based on the films and other sources you have access to, do you notice differences or similarities in how the same religion is practiced across different countries?
  • 3
    Do you think these films fully represent the religious diversity within the country? If not, how can you gather information about religious diversity within these countries?
  • 4
    Do these films in any manner challenge your conception of cultural identity in any of these countries?
  • 5
    In what ways can the narratives in these films inspire initiatives to explore the diversity within your own local community?
Video 4
Expert video
Dr. Fernand de Varennes, Promoting Religious Diversity through Education
Dr. Fernand de Varennes, former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, explores how education promotes religious understanding and helps combat group hostility.
A Narrative Approach
Video 5
Expert video
Narrative Approach Relating to Religious Diversity
Narratives play a key role in shaping national and group identities. They influence how we understand ourselves and others, both now and historically. Dr. Claudia Lenz, Research Professor at HL-Senteret and Head of Dembra Teacher Training, explores the role of narrative competence. This includes deconstructing and reconstructing narratives as an effective tool for reflecting and challenging ideas about religious diversity.
For Educators
Questions for Reflection
  • 1
    Does religious diversity exist in your community, and if it does, how is it evident?
  • 2
    Do you think that some forms of religious diversity are overlooked in your community? If so, what, and why do you think this is the case?
  • 3
    How is religious diversity expressed through religious buildings? What are the limitations to exploring diversity through such buildings?
  • 4
    How do individual practices express religious diversity in your country? (For example, through lived experiences, clothing, feasts, festivals, and other visual expressions).
  • 5
    How do you think representation of religious diversity enables or limits the ability of people’s sense of belonging to a nation?
Moving Forward
In this module, we explored the rich diversity and deep-rooted cultural traditions of different countries. The next module will focus on the construction of stereotypes and the challenges to religious diversity.
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Course: Religious Diversity and Dialogue
Module 2
Stereotypes & Challenges
In this module, we will examine how stereotypes may challenge religious diversity, potentially leading to group hostility. We will explore how narratives can be used for exclusion but also to promote a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
Video 1
We will explore the nuances of stereotypes, focusing on how they influence our attitudes toward religious diversity and the consequences of viewing people through a lens of generalization.
Exploring Stereotypes
Video 2
Expert video
Stereotypes and Narratives
As part of identity development, we create stories about who “we” and “they” are. Such narratives are often based on religious, ethnic, social, national, or other divides. In this video, Dr. Claudia Lenz, Research Professor at HL-Senteret and Head of Dembra Teachers Traing discussed how narratives may be used to create stereotyped images of ‘the other’.
Video 3
Expert video
Key Challenges in Promoting religious diversity
In this video, Dr. Fernand de Varennes, former United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, discusses the growing issue of hate speech on social media, particularly targeting religious minorities. He also explores how biased narratives contribute to this problem and examines legal solutions to address it.
Exercise: Identity Map and Group Affiliations
All the activities can serve as a starting point for self-reflection or be incorporated into group discussions or classroom activities. This exercise is designed to encourage self-reflection on one's identity, how it is complex and consists of many facets, as well as how different aspects may take on greater or lesser significance in different situations.

https://www.dembra.no/en/undervisningsopplegg/identitetskart-gruppetilhorighet-og-fordommer
Lack of Knowledge as the Basis of Stereotypes
Video x
Film
Hidden Facts
The perception of the ‘other’ based on religious, ethnic, social, or national differences often arises from a lack of knowledge and misconceptions about a group. This lack of understanding can result in stereotypes, where individuals are judged based on generalized beliefs about their group. As a result, misconceptions can create divisions and reinforce biases, hindering social integration and mutual respect.
Questions to the film
  • 1
    How could lack of knowledge or ignorance about diversity within religious group lead to stereotypes?
  • 2
    How can encounters with people from different faiths contribute to combating stereotypes?
  • 3
    Could such encounters contribute to creating stereotypes? And how can this be avoided?
Danger of Dehumanization
Video x
Film
Place Among the Stars
The risk of dehumanizing "the other" or viewing them as a threat can escalate persecution. Similarly, there is a danger in continuously demonizing the perpetrator after atrocities, which can hinder reconciliation. This underscores the challenge of recognizing shared humanity in the midst of intense conflict.
Question to the film
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    What do you think this fictional film communicates about identity, humanity, and group hostility in conflict situations, from both the perspectives of perpetrators and victims?
Challenges and Consequences of Stereotypes
Stereotypes can create significant challenges by reinforcing prejudice and discrimination, limiting opportunities, and deepening social divides. The consequences extend beyond individual experiences, affecting group dynamics, leading to exclusion and even group hostility.
Video x
Expert video
Recognizing Internal Diversity
In this video, Dr. Claudia Lenz, Research Professor at HL-Senteret and Head of Dembra Teacher Training, explores the importance of narratives in identity construction. She also discusses how simplified narratives may be a threat to the internal diversity of a group and may even lead to dehumanization.
Video x
Expert video
Consequences of Stereotype
Dr. Claudia Lenz, Research Professor at HL-Senteret and Head of Dembra Teacher Training, examines the social consequences of stereotyping, which can potentially escalate to genocide or other atrocities.
For Educators
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    Challenging Stereotypes in Diversity Education
Questions for Reflection
  • 1
    Do you think there is a connection between gender stereotypes and challenges within religions?
  • 2
    Can you identify any instances where stereotypes about religious beliefs led to discrimination or conflict? How were these challenges addressed?
  • 3
    Reflect on your own views on religious diversity. Do you think any form of stereotypes have influenced those views, and do you feel it is important to challenge them?
Moving Forward
In this module, we examined the complexities of stereotypes and their impact on religious diversity. The next module will delve into ways to address these challenges through religious dialogue and excursions.
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Course: Religious Diversity and Dialogue
Module 3
Religious Excursion & Dialogue
This module explores strategies to address stereotypes and challenges related to religious diversity. One significant approach discussed is visiting religious sites to foster interfaith dialogue and promote coexistence.
Video 1
Living in diverse communities, we often know little about each other’s traditions. Visiting religious sites can foster understanding and build bridges between individuals and communities. This module features short films about interfaith visits, primarily in Indonesia, Tunisia, Iraq and India.
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    Religious Excursion Through Films
    As discussed in Module 2, challenges such as misconceptions can arise when getting to know other religions. Organizing visits to religious sites requires sensitivity to avoid reinforcing stereotypes and to recognize the internal diversity within religions. These visits can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult to organize due to security constraints. In some locations, access to these religious sites for non-members may also be limited. As an alternative, audio-visual media, such as films, can offer valuable insights by providing diverse perspectives and sharing experiences of religious excursions.
Video X
Film
Interfaith Dialogue in Tunisia
Rediscovering Tunis - We have explored the longstanding presence of religious diversity in Tunisia, including the majority Sunni Muslim community and minority groups such as Jews, Christians, and others. In this video, we meet young people from different religious backgrounds who come together to reflect on and share their experiences after visiting each other's religious heritage sites during the excursion.
Video X
Film
Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia
6 houses of worship - Through this film, we witness communities, the government, and religious leaders coming together to build a village of tolerance, where six houses of worship stand side by side in peaceful coexistence.
Video X
Film
Interfaith Dialogue in Iraq
Peace journey - In this film, a group of young people in Iraq visit each other's religious sites, reflecting on and sharing their experiences from these visits.
Video X
Film
Interfaith Dialogue in India
Looking Afresh - In this film, a quiz inspires a group of young people in Delhi, India, to visit various religious sites, where they reflect on and share their experiences from these visits.
Questions to the film
  • 1
    In what way can interfaith excursion contribute to a sense of community between people with different religious identity?
  • 2
    How can we include religions that do not have traditional religious buildings into the interfaith excursion or dialogues?
  • 3
    When comparing the films, do you notice alternatives/ differences in how interfaith dialogue is practiced in different countries?
  • 4
    When looking at the films, do you notice any differences in how these interfaith excursions were organized?
Video
Expert video
Significance of Interfaith excursion
Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit, 'Director for Theology, Mission, and Justice at the Lutheran World Federation, emphasizes the importance of visiting each other’s places of worship, noting that such encounters move beyond preconceived narratives and are grounded in personal experience.
Video
Expert video
Exploring Religious Diversity and Dialogue
Dr. Claudia Lenz, Research Professor at HL-Senteret and Head of Dembra Teacher Training, emphasizes key considerations to keep in mind during excursions and dialogue.
Interfaith Dialogue
Interfaith dialogue provides a platform for people of different beliefs to embrace the opportunity to explore each other's cultures and beliefs. This helps create a positive narrative that transcends stereotypes and obstacles, particularly for minority groups, giving them visibility and a voice in interfaith discourse.
Video x
Expert video
Interfaith Dialogue
Interfaith dialogue fosters understanding, tolerance, respect, and cooperation across religious backgrounds. By incorporating personal narratives and stories from individuals with different religious identities, we gain insight into the lived experiences and beliefs that shape perspectives. It may even serve as a means to celebrate diversity while emphasizing our shared humanity, helping to prevent conflicts and human rights violations. Dr. Sivin Kit, Director for Theology, Mission, and Justice at the Lutheran World Federation, highlights the importance of a people-centric approach in inter-religious dialogue.
Video x
Expert video
Representations in Interfaith Dialogue
Traditional interfaith dialogues often exclude the voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups, such as religious minorities. This exclusion limits the scope of perspectives and experiences, potentially also leading to further exclusion. Dr. Sivin Kit, Director for Theology, Mission, and Justice at the Lutheran World Federation, emphasizes that by actively listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, we can enrich the dialogue and develop a more nuanced understanding of religious diversity.
For Educators
Questions for Reflection
  • 1
    Do you know or can you get information about interfaith dialogue in your country? If so, what is the role of women in such dialogues?
  • 2
    What according to you are the essential elements of a successful interfaith dialogue?
Moving forward
In this module, we explored the potential of religious dialogue and excursions as tools to foster inclusive interfaith communication and provide a platform for celebrating diversity. In the next module, we will examine religious diversity from an international human rights perspective.
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Course: Religious Diversity and Dialogue
Module 4
Religious Diversity and Human Rights
In this module, we will explore how human rights may both support and challenge religious diversity. Particularly, we will focus on the ambiguous relationship between freedom of religion or belief and other human rights.
Video 1
Human rights can support one another and should be equally respected and implemented. However, in practice, there may be situations where different human rights may come into conflict.
Religious diversity is essential to societal cohesion, tolerance, and mutual respect. Its recognition and protection are fundamental to international human rights, and treaties and conventions aim to safeguard religious freedoms and promote coexistence.
Case study: Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Tunisian Context
Video X
Expert video
Faith and Freedom, Tunisia’s Journey
Ghassen Ayari, Public Relations and Partnership Officer at Attalaki Organization, explores the right to freedom of religion or belief in Tunisia and how international human rights standards are adapted locally. He also discusses efforts by the government, academics, and civil society organizations to promote interfaith coexistence.
Religion and International Human Rights

Video X
Expert video
Religion & Human Rights
In this video, Dr. Fernand de Varennes, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, explores international human rights obligations and protections aimed at safeguarding religious diversity.
Video X
Expert video
Human Rights & Religious Diversity
Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Senior Researcher and Project Manager of the ICHR project at HL-Senteret, examines human rights conventions that protect religious diversity, as well as those that, while not directly addressing it, provide a foundation for protecting religious freedom.
Non-Discrimination and Religious Diversity
Human rights apply to all individuals equally, regardless of gender, religion, belief or other identity. This is often referred to as the principle of non-discrimination. Freedom of religion or belief is among the human rights that apply equally to all human beings. Some human rights are often practiced together with others. For instance, the right to freedom of religion or belief includes the right of faith communities to appoint their religious leaders.
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    ICCPR Art 26
    In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Video X
Expert video
Non-Discrimination and Religious Diversity
Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Senior Researcher and Project Manager of the ICHR project at HL-Senteret, examines the relationship between non-discrimination and religious diversity, while also addressing the unique challenges associated with this connection
Freedom of Religion or Belief
Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals can hold, practice, change, or abstain from any religious belief without coercion or discrimination. It protects both private and public expressions of faith, such as worship, teaching, and observance. Although freedom of religion is a cornerstone of human dignity and pluralism, it is not absolute.
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    ICCPR art 18
    1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, and teaching.
    2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
    3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
    4. The States Parties to ICCPR undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
    Video X
    Expert video
    Freedom of Religion or Belief
    Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Senior Researcher and Project Manager of the ICHR project at HL-Senteret, examines the scope of Freedom of Religion or Belief and its potential limitations.
    Human Rights and Religious Minorities
    Human rights, particularly freedom of religion and belief, apply equally to individuals from religious minorities as well as those from the majority within a country. Like other human rights, the right of minorities to practice or express their religious identity may be subject to certain limitations. In some instances, this right must be carefully balanced with the equal rights and freedoms of others.
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      ICCPR art 27

      In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language.
    Video X
    Expert video
    Minority Rights are Human Rights
    Dr. Fernand de Varennes, former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, emphasizes the universal and fundamental nature of minority rights as human rights.
    Video X
    Expert video
    Promoting Minority Inclusion: Good Practice
    Dr. Fernand de Varennes, former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, highlights effective examples of good practices that promote minority inclusion in various countries.
    Religion and Gender
    The inclusion and representation of women in interfaith dialogue emphasizes the intersection of gender, religion, and human rights, focusing on empowerment and equality within religious communities. However, women face challenges in fully participating in religious discourse while advocating for their rights across diverse cultural contexts.
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      CEDAW Art 5 (1)
      States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women.
    Video X
    Expert video
    Women’s Right and Freedom of Religion or Belief
    Dr. Fernand de Varennes, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, explores the interplay between religious freedom and other fundamental rights, with a particular focus on gender perspectives.
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      Case Study - Martha vs. The Real Church
      Facts of the case
      Martha has the best grades after completing her theology studies at the School of Theology of The Real Church and applies for employment as a teacher of theology at the school. The school's management rejects the application because, according to the church's official doctrine, women cannot hold such positions. Martha believes that she has been subjected to unfair discrimination and takes the case to court.
      Questions for reflection or discussion
      • 1
        What human rights provisions and arguments may support Martha in her complaint?
      • 2
        What human rights provisions and arguments may support The Real Church in their defense?

      General Instructions

      This exercise may be used both as an individual assignment and as a basis for group work and plenary classroom discussion. It may even be used as a case for role play where the students are divided into three groups:
      • Group 1: Representing Martha
      • Group 2: Representing The Real Church
      • Group 3: Panel of Judges
      Instructions for the educator
      This case study is developed to help students get a deeper insight into the core concerns behind different human rights that may sometimes come into conflict with one another, for instance, Freedom of religion or belief and the protection against discrimination on the basis of gender. It also may help students reflect upon ways in which a specific case may be handled to maximize both these two different human rights concerns.

      The case study works better if applied to a specific national context where the students may assess in light of the country’s constitutional provision, other legislation and case law relating to this field. For non-legal students, it may be sufficient to apply this to the main human rights provisions presented in this module, from the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
    For Educators
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      Human Rights based Approach
      Human rights are always being interpreted in a national context. Still there are expert institutions in the UN and in different regions that aim to ensure a "universality" in the interpretations of these rights. The UN has also stated that human rights are "indivisible". This means that they are supposed to support one another and be respected and implemented on an equal level. In practice there may be situations where different human rights may come into conflict. For instance there may be situations where the protection against gender discrimination comes into conflict with the right to freedom of religion or belief. This call for interpretations of the different human rights at the national level.
      Video x
      Expert video
      Human Rights: Combatting Stereotypes
      Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Senior Researcher and Project Manager of the ICHR project at HL-Senteret, explores strategies to combat stereotypes from a human rights perspective.
      Video x
      Expert video
      Role of Civil Society and Education in Preventing Human Rights Violations
      Simona Cruciani from the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect reflects on the role of civil society and education in preventing violations.
      Questions for Reflection
      • 1
        In what ways can educators integrate teaching about human rights with teaching about religious diversity?
      • 2
        What strategies can educators use to challenge stereotypes or misconceptions about different religious groups in the context of human rights?
    Questions for Reflection
    • 1
      Can you identify any situations where the right to freedom of religion or belief might conflict with other human rights?
    • 2
      Can you think of one or more ways of dealing with such a situation?
    • 3
      Can you think of a situation where other human rights support the right to freedom of religion or belief?
    • 4
      To what extent, and in what ways, can it be argued that human rights are "universal" and "indivisible", although their interpretation and practice may differ across countries?
    • 5
      Do you find examples from the implementation of the rights discussed in this module in your own country that both support and challenge these claims?
    Conclusion
    This module has examined the intersection of human rights and religious diversity, highlighting that while these aspects can support each other, they may also come into conflict. However, a human rights approach, centred on the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals, ensures that fundamental rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

    Throughout the course, we explored the complexities of religious diversity and emphasized the importance of narrative competence. By understanding and internalizing the stories being told, individuals can help prevent hate speech, conflict, and group hostility.

    You have reached the end of the course Religious Diversity and Dialogue. Congratulations on completing this online course!

    We appreciate your time, effort, and dedication throughout the course. We hope that the knowledge and insights gained will continue to inspire and guide you in your work and personal growth. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we look forward to your future endeavours in promoting religious diversity, inclusion, and understanding.

    We extend our gratitude to our regional partners and all other contributors for their invaluable contribution to the development of this course. We also thank the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) for their financial support.


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