All groups learn and debate the theory of interreligious dialogue, including Prof. Leonard Swidler’s Dialogue Decalogue and the Seven Stages of Deep Dialogue; discuss its application to personally relevant situations, locally and abroad; and practice the techniques designed to aid in facilitation of dialogue. However, each program is also tailored to the specific goals and foundations of the group.

• Introductory seminars are most appropriate for those without experience in conducting interreligious dialogue. The sessions are geared to those who would like to learn about the basic principles of dialogue for personal enlightenment or for help with starting a small-scale local conversation, such as a congregational or neighborhood diversity group.

• Community seminars will be helpful to those who have in mind a particular community setting in which they plan to engage in dialogue. These workshops focus on informal and semi-formal dialogic modes, may provide some background in religion (if needed), help the participants develop their dialogue leadership skills, and explore the specific challenges connected to each group’s goal, be it the encouragement of cooperation in a developing community or a resolution of an existing crisis.

• Professional seminars are designed for groups of interreligious/international scholars and community leaders who conduct relations between religiously diverse groups on a professional basis, who are called upon in religious conflict resolution, and who participate in shaping public opinion or national policy. The participants hone their skills in dialogue leadership and religious sensitivity, delve deeper into the theory of deep-dialogue and critical thinking, explore questions of psychology, spirituality, and the history of religious conflict, and develop nuanced approaches to their particular professional tasks.

• Interdisciplinary workshops are offered to groups that wish to discuss the role of dialogue and religion in other professional fields and industries. The topics include, but are not limited to, Religion and Science, Religion and Business, Religion and Education, and Religion and Diplomacy.

Please contact Julia Sheetz-Willard (jsheetz@temple.edu) for further information regarding seminar design, scheduling, rates, and locations.