Significance and Risks of Interreligious Dialogue in South Sudan

Abstract

The objective of interreligious dialogue is peace, and it seeks to increase mutual understanding and good relations, identify causes of tension in Christian-Muslim relations and build understanding and confidence to overcome or prevent tensions. Interreligious dialogue has given birth to Dialogue of life, which encourages neighborliness, sharing of joys and troubles. This paper described the concept of dialogue and the dialogue of life in Sudan and South Sudan. It also presented the phenomena of dialogue, its significance and conditions that can lead to a successful outcome. Muslims and Christians could share many institutions that represent the people nationwide, for example, youth and sports clubs, health services and schools.  It also viewed the risks involved in interreligious dialogue, the levels of an encounter with non-Christians. The paper established that Muslims and Christians still have great challenges that are possible threats to the dialogue of life and interreligious dialogue and these include the fear of religious coercion, proselytism, and syncretism, lack of knowledge of the other, discretion, violence and terrorism. The paper recommended mutual knowledge, respect, and collaboration between Muslims and Christians. It urged leaders to bring about unity, encourage and coordinate the study of the other's religion and promote training of people destined for interreligious dialogue.