The Future of Religion: How has the Pandemic Changed the Ways we Practise?

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2021-02-02

Country: United Kingdom
City: Glasgow
  • Organizer

    Interfaith Glasgow, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative

  • Location

    Online

  • Email

    [email protected]

Interfaith Glasgow's "Voices from the Portal" dialogue series has invited people of all faith backgrounds to reflect together on key issues highlighted by the COVID pandemic. What, we have asked, should the "new normal" look like after the pandemic? How can we make it more just and inclusive than the "old normal"? This final event in the series will mark World Interfaith Harmony Week, and feature a trans-Atlantic interfaith dialogue -- in partnership with the Interfaith Center of New York and the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative -- exploring new forms of religious life in the UK, the USA, and South Africa.

 

The social distancing required to fight the pandemic has presented extraordinary challenges and unexpected opportunities to faith communities throughout the world. Most congregations have been unable to meet safely in person, but many have developed innovative forms of religious practice online. What lessons can we draw from these experiences? What new practices will stand the test of time? What will the "new normal" look like in diverse faith communities?

 

The conversation will be framed by a discussion of the findings of the "British Ritual Innovation Under COVID-19" research project. A panel of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist faith leaders from New York City, Cape Town, and Johannesburg will then share their own communities' experiences of religious life during the pandemic and beyond. Following this panel discussion, small group dialogues will give participants an opportunity to share and discuss their own experiences during the pandemic, and their visions for the post-COVID world.

 

All are welcome to join the conversation!