This past month I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the annual European Academy of Religion (EuARe) conference in Vienna, Austria. The central question guiding the conference was: "What is the role of religion in modern social cohesion from a European perspective and beyond?" Over the span of five days, this question was explored by six keynote speakers, 200 panels led by 1,200 scholars, professionals, and students from around the globe. Addressing this question is vital because, despite an increasingly secularized EU, over 67% of the population identifies as having religious affiliations. If the collective dream of social cohesion and continued development toward long-term prosperity and equality is to be realized by all, this significant demographic must be factored into the creation and execution of EU policy. As keynote speaker Dr. Franz Fischler aptly stated, "Change in democracy starts from the ground, and it does not fall from heaven”.
To foster a more open-minded perspective toward individuals of different faiths and backgrounds, we must promote social cohesion and recognize our shared humanity. The nurturing of social cohesion is paramount to global development. Without it, division, increased self-interest, and long-standing biases thrive, leading to a rise in global violence and a decrease in effective policy. Panels covering these concepts drew me in, such as those discussing the impact of faith-based organizations on communities. These organizations are present in communities before a crisis arises, such as a natural disaster, having already established education and aid systems. This pre-existing infrastructure makes them irreplaceable in building community capacity for self-sustainability as well as serving as a force to unite communities. By supporting and recognizing the work of faith-based organizations in local communities, governments can collaborate with them to expand community self-sustainability capacities through education programs and funding. Equally compelling panels discussed the urgent need for interfaith dialogue and global religious literacy in schools and religious communities to broaden young people's understanding of those from different backgrounds. The discussions on these panels have strengthened my desire to become involved in similar initiatives.
Meeting and exploring Vienna with other scholars and students from the conference was an additional unforgettable experience. Our conversations offered diverse perspectives on the impact of religion and its future direction, encompassing European, American, and Asian viewpoints. As a young scholar, I was truly inspired to learn the "why" behind the work of experienced humanitarian aid and education professionals. They were driven by strong, personal moral ideals and a refusal to let silence prevail in the face of violence. The European Academy of Religion conference in Vienna left me with more questions than I had when I arrived, but it also sparked an even stronger desire to join grassroots initiatives. The focus on the spiritual side of global and social development gave me a new moral perspective on how to approach the future. I am eager to make a tangible impact on those around me while continuing to broaden my understanding of the world.
