Page 16 - The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand Vol.XIII-2021
P. 16

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand
          Volume XIII – 2021



          conflict warning. Religious leaders see (and feel) this often much earlier than
          others. They are in constant touch with their followers and pick up the vibrations

          of discontent very fast.

                 Operating amongst different cultural and linguistic backgrounds is a diplo-
          mat’s everyday business. Yet, meeting with religious leaders who are often
          extremely multicultural in their knowledge of not only their own, but also other

          faiths, is impressive. They operate in another dimension of cultural diversity. For a
          curious diplomat – and good diplomats should be curious as a professional
          prerequisite – this is a personal gain. And do not forget: Diplomats also have souls

          and need some searching on a personal level.



          What can religious leaders learn from diplomats?

                 This is a short paragraph, as it is not for me to brag. Suffice to say, that our
          interlocutors seemed equally interested in our approaches and experiences, such
          as the standard analysis of separating a position from an interest. We were

          encouraged to continue these initiatives and support efforts for conflict resolution
          on all levels. Even if our interlocutors were just being polite, we find this advice to
          continue our efforts to be worth following.



          Religious literacy

                 In today’s Germany, religion does not command the same importance as in
          the past.  Many people would not consider themselves religious at all. This makes
          it even more important to understand religions in our own country – all religions

          that is. This education should begin in our schools. It helps us to understand
          others in our own society as well as societies, where the majority of people feel
          strongly about their religious beliefs.

                 Knowledge of history is important. The Germany of today is very different

          from the Germany of the past. Many tend to forget how bitter and divisive
          arguments in our own country touching on religious feelings were (and still are).
          Take abortion and homosexuality as two examples where religious beliefs are
          important factors shaping peoples’ acceptance. But it also shows that attitudes



               Responsibility  of  Religious  Communities  for  Peace  –  A  Role  for  Diplomacy?  (Friedensverantwortung  von
          6     Religionsgemeinschaften - eine Rolle für die Diplomatie?)
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