Addressing Sectarianism and Extremism: How Can Religious High Schools Address the Potential for Sectarianism and Extremism within Their Own Communities and Beyond?

"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." - Mahatma Gandhi

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In an increasingly interconnected and globalised world, the potential for sectarianism and extremism to permeate communities has become a pressing concern. As Australian high school educators in religious institutions, we hold a unique responsibility to address these challenges within our own communities and beyond. By fostering a culture of tolerance, understanding and critical thinking, religious high schools can play a vital role in combating sectarianism and extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence.

To address the potential for sectarianism and extremism within their own communities, religious high schools could focus on creating a learning environment that emphasises the values of empathy, compassion and open dialogue. By encouraging students to engage in respectful discussions about their own faith and the beliefs of others, educators can help to break down barriers and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse worldviews that exist within their community.

One practical example of a program designed to address sectarianism and extremism is the Australian Government's "Living Safe Together" initiative (www.livingsafetogether.gov.au/). This program provides resources and support to communities and organisations, including schools, to build resilience against violent extremism. Faith-based high schools could utilise these resources to develop tailored educational programs and activities that promote understanding, tolerance and inclusivity within the context of their faith.

In addition to building a culture of tolerance and understanding within their own communities, Faith-based high schools can also play a role in addressing sectarianism and extremism beyond their immediate environment. By participating in interfaith initiatives and engaging in collaborative projects with schools from different religious backgrounds, students can develop a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of beliefs that exist in the broader community.

One notable Australian example is the work of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (www.columban.org.au/), which seeks to promote dialogue, understanding and collaboration between Christians and Muslims. By participating in initiatives such as these, religious high schools can demonstrate their commitment to fostering positive relationships between different faith groups and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Faith-based schools could also consider incorporating the study of different religious traditions into their curriculum. By offering students the opportunity to learn about the beliefs, practices and histories of various faiths, educators can help to dispel misconceptions and promote a greater understanding of the common values and principles that underpin many religious traditions. The Australian Curriculum (www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/) includes a range of resources and guidelines for teaching about world religions, which can be adapted to suit the needs and context of a religious high school.

In order to effectively address sectarianism and extremism, it is crucial for religious high schools to maintain an atmosphere of open dialogue and critical thinking. By encouraging students to ask questions, express their opinions and engage in respectful conversations about their beliefs and the beliefs of others, educators can help to create a learning environment where sectarianism and extremism struggle to take root.

In conclusion, Faith-based high schools have a unique opportunity to address the potential for sectarianism and extremism within their own communities and beyond. By fostering a culture of tolerance, understanding and critical thinking and by engaging in interfaith initiatives and promoting the study of different religious traditions, religious high schools can play a vital role in combating sectarianism and extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence.

MyDiary is a valuable platform that provides resources to support positive change in education. It offers a wide range of tools and materials that can aid religious high schools in addressing sectarianism and extremism within their communities and beyond. To access these resources and learn more about how MyDiary can support your educational journey, visit www.MyDiary.com.au.

Weblinks in the article:

1. Living Safe Together: www.livingsafetogether.gov.au/

2. Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations: www.columban.org.au/

3. Australian Curriculum: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

4. MyDiary: www.MyDiary.com.au