Boston College: community cohesion through Interfaith dialogue

Abid Hussain – Assistant Principal

Returning to college after a summer of race riots, I felt compelled to do something positive. Taking the empty rhetoric and with the images fresh in my mind I wanted to ensure our students were able to engage in meaningful dialogue. I had lived experience – Bradford 1976.

With that at the forefront of my mind I reached out to faith groups in Boston with the intention of engaging those with local knowledge – taking religious and non-religious perspectives to build on common ground.

This led to a meeting with an inspirational local religious leader from the Methodist Church to form a mutually beneficial relationship. We found common ground through our discussions and that human ability to share values and mutual understanding.

We agreed to run an experimental session with a selection of students from across the college, cleverly titled ‘perSPECtives’. This was a session used by the Reverend to investigate attitudes of locals based on comments and attitudes posted on a local social media group.

The session was masterfully delivered and provided a platform for our students to demonstrate a unifying aspiration. Unity comes from mutual understanding and respect of others and our students demonstrated that in their responses to some very challenging and controversial statements made with the cover of online platforms.

Our students did not disappoint – demonstrating empathy, compassion - and distaste for some of our darkest moments.

Students commented, “This program is ahead of its time” and “Unique.”

The workshop facilitator commented, “humbled to have been asked to share this session, all power to the college this academic year.”

Interfaith dialogue can serve as an essential bridge, connecting young people with each other, fostering a sense of unity and harmony. Importantly, it provides a safe environment where feelings can be shared and explored leading to better understanding.