Setting the Cornerstones for an Inclusive Ireland
The Three Faiths Forum to host meetings in April and May with the aim of creating a more inclusive society.
The Three Faiths Forum has initiated a project aimed at creating a more inclusive society. The project will see two initial meetings taking place in the Lantern Centre, Dublin on April 7th and 14th. It will culminate with a final event taking place in the Mansion House, Dublin on May 10th.
Speaking in advance of the first meeting a spokesperson for the forum outlined the aims of the gathering: “What do we hope for this island? We are all part of a process, in which our assumptions are changing. We have experienced a financial crash, which makes us define worth in cash terms. We need to re-engage ourselves with moral and ethical values, rethinking what these words mean. We are asking you to contribute your part in developing our aspirations for the future. We are only at the beginning of a project, which will continue into the next generation.”
The Three Faiths Forum of Ireland brings together representatives of the three Abrahamic Faiths – Jewish, Muslim and Christian – creating a space for religious dialogue, promoting education, providing information about the three faiths and working together for tolerance, respect and cooperation towards a more inclusive society.
The spokesperson continued: “There will be two meetings to develop our ideas, leading to a final event, at which we hope that you will be one of many who will sign their names to all of our hopes. You will have played your part at the meetings in revising and rethinking the document which we will sign.”
The first meeting will be chaired by Dr. Anne Lodge. Dr. Lodge is the Principal of the Church of Ireland College of Education while also lecturing in equality and diversity and research methods. Her own interests include school cultures and ethics, identity, diversity and education, and inclusive schools and classrooms.
The second meeting will be chaired by Dr. Andrew McGrady. Dr. McGrady is the Director of the Mater Dei Institute which is a college of Dublin City University. His interests include religious education in pluralist contexts, religious and moral development, digital pedagogy and teaching and learning strategies.
The final event on May 10th will include a welcome from Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ms. Críona Ní Dhálaigh.
Dates, times and venues for the meetings:
(1) Bringing the Ireland Which We Need into being.
Date: 7th April
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Lantern Centre, Synge Street, Dublin 8
(2) Towards a Fair and Sustainable Society
Date: 14th April
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Lantern Centre, Synge Street, Dublin 8
(3) Setting the Cornerstones for an Inclusive Ireland
Date: 10th May
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin
For further information, please contact: Desmond Sinnamon - dsinnamon@iol.ie or Michael Murray - mmurray32@hotmail.com.
