“Nurturing Seeds” Religious Literacy as a Skill for Peaceful Engagement #3

Episode 3 of 3: Learning to Engage: Designing for Inclusion – Religious Literacy in Education
Join us to discover how religious literacy can transform education—learn practical ways to design inclusive classrooms that honour difference and build mutual respect.

How can religious literacy foster inclusion and respectful engagement in classrooms and learning spaces? In the final episode of our three-part series, Daniel Del Nido explores how education systems can intentionally design for inclusion by integrating religious literacy as a core skillset. Building on his contribution to the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Daniel draws from his experience at the Tanenbaum Center to showcase how religious literacy enhances empathy, identity awareness, and communication across religious and non-religious differences.

Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Daniel will offer practical insights on embedding religious literacy in K–12 settings. The session will explore whole-school approaches, proactive curriculum design, and the tools educators need to create inclusive and respectful learning environments that prepare students for lifelong learning in religious literacy.

Building on the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace: The Role of IRD Organisations in Promoting Religious Literacy in Education as a Contribution to Peace”, this three-part follow-up series deepens the conversation by spotlighting religious literacy as a practical skillset for navigating complex societal challenges. Hosted in collaboration with the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, the series brings back three thought leaders from the original panel for focused 30-minute fireside discussions exploring how lived, contextual understandings of religion can shape diplomacy, transform conflict engagement, and foster inclusion in education.

Moderated by Dr Kate Soules, Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative, each session offers actionable insights into how religious literacy builds empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competence—skills essential for peaceful engagement in today’s world:

•    17 July with Professor Erin K Wilson (Diplomacy and Global Affairs) [info & registration]
•    21 July with Dicky Sofjan (Conflict & Interfaith Engagement) [info & registration]
•    24 July with Daniel Del Nido (Education & Inclusion)

SPEAKERS

Daniel Del Nido

Daniel Del Nido is the Assistant Director of the Education Program at the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. He plays a key role in developing and implementing educational initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. His work involves creating resources and programs that help educators, students, and communities engage with diverse religious perspectives in a respectful and informed manner.

MODERATOR(S)

Kate Soules

Kate Soules is an education researcher and independent consultant specializing in religious literacy and religious diversity education. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative (REC), an interdisciplinary network of scholars and practitioners working at the intersections of religion and schooling. Kate’s work focuses on assessing and evaluating religious literacy education, teacher professional learning about religion, and the impacts of religious literacy education for both students and educators. She has collaborated with various organizations, including the Aspen Institute’s Religion and Society Program and the American Academy of Religion.

Where Zoom online

Time 02:00 PM Europe/Lisbon