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

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?)