It is nothing new that religion is used to legitimise political decisions; this has been a reality also in Norwegian political life right until today. But when mainstream opinion defines religious and cultural differences as a vital cause of conflicts it is deeply problematic. It is dangerous because it provides oversimplified explanations to highly complex issues and because such explanations have a tendency to increase tensions between people of various religious faiths within and across communities.

With globalisation and migration we have seen how developments and incidents at the local level create responses and reactions at regional and international levels – and vice versa. This was demonstrated in the controversy over the Mohammed drawings in 2005. A major point of learning from this conflict was that there is a huge need for more knowledge about the dialectic between experiences and faith and the formulation of political agendas and better communications and contact between people of different religious, political and cultural affiliations.

It is against this backdrop the collaboration with The Foundation for Dialogue among Civilizations (FDC), headed by the former president of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, and the Club of Madrid (CoM), became a priority for the Oslo Center. Together with our partners we are creating meeting places for people of various religious faiths, political viewpoints and national backgrounds. Relations are established and cultivated, and sensitive issues are brought up. And participants have after sessions of dialogue and debates, been able to express shared views on highly sensitive matters relating to the role of religion, gender equality, human rights, faith and politics.

Objectives

• The overall objectives of this project are to increase understanding, counter stereotypes, promote peaceful dialogue and respect for diversity and human rights.
• The project seeks to add value by bringing together influential politicians, religious leaders and academics into a much needed dialogue on religion, tolerance, diversity, human rights and democracy.
• The gender dimension and women’s rights and participation are special concerns highlighted throughout the project.

Activities

• How should the State relate to religion and which role does religion play in the public sphere and in influencing the policy of the State? These questions were addressed at the workshop on Politics and Religion (Geneva 13-14 April 2008). Read more about the workshop.
• The Oslo Center hosted a gathering of approximately thirty religious and political leaders, academics and representatives of relevant organisations to partake in the workshop, “Sharing experiences: Women, Equality and Peace” (Oslo 22-24 June 2008). Read more about this workshop.
• Tehran provided a powerful symbolic reference to the dialogue conference ”Religion in the Modern World” (Teheran 12–14 October 2008). During the stay in Kjell Magne Bondevik got the opportunity to meet with the President and Supreme leader of Iran, together with a delegation from the conference.
  

Relevant links

Khatami visits the Oslo Center ( Aftenposten TV Juni 2008)