On February 11 and 12, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David organized the Lampeter Postgraduate Conference in Interfaith Studies on the topic “Researching and Working in the Field.”
It was a good chance for students in the field of interfaith to get together and reflect on key issues such as exploring the importance of intersectional approaches to interfaith studies or seeking lessons for interfaith dialogue in interfaith interactions as well as discussing the importance of networking and sharing tips on how to find employment in the interfaith work sector. Both Taras Dzyubanskyy (Cohort III) and Elena Dini (Cohort VII) from our Network of JPII Center Leaders in Interreligious Dialogue presented at this conference.
Taras Dzyubanskyy, Senior Alumni Advisor at the JPII Center for Interreligious Dialogue, commented on the importance of intra-faith dialogue and how this might inspire interfaith actions. “The interfaith engagement calls for and requires an ecumenical or interfaith dialogue and relations. For a fruitful interfaith dialogue to take place, there must be an ongoing and meaningful dialogue within one religion,” Taras said.
Elena Dini, Senior Program Manager at the JPII Center, joined Angus Slater, Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Wales for a panel on interfaith networking. She talked about the experience of our Network of JPII Center Leaders and offered tips on how to connect with other people and institutions in the world of interfaith. “You don’t have to think that you are wasting your time when you are having a coffee – pre Coronavirus – or just chatting with someone. Relationships need time and the willingness to be open and not imposing an agenda on the person in front of you. Dialogue is a seed that needs patience to grow,” Elena shared.
