Interreligious dialogue among youths: a “debt” or a “gift” in Singapore?

Abstract

Young people face the challenge of navigating sensitivities tactfully when discussing religion in public spaces. In the wake of Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore, it is pertinent to ask whether the harmonious community enabled by interreligious dialogue is simply an approach to be enjoyed or a “gift” or a “debt” to be invested further in the interest of social cohesion. Do young Singaporeans regard the current peace and harmony as an inherited privilege they are entitled to or an achieved outcome they must continuously uphold?