Exploring the posibility of interreligious dialogue in Singapore schools

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the possibility of introducing interreligious dialogue in public schools in Singapore, through identifying the opportunities and challenges of doing so. The study is contextualised through a review of theories and praxis in interreligious dialogue and an examination of the key factors that influence interreligious relations and dialogue in Singapore. Findings from three areas are then presented and discussed. First, religious education policies in post-independence Singapore will be analysed, to provide the policy context for introducing interreligious dialogue in schools. Second, interreligious dialogues that have taken place in schools outside of Singapore will be examined for their relevance and applicability in the Singapore context. Third, interview responses from the teachers of one pre-university school in Singapore will be evaluated to provide a glimpse of opportunities and challenges of interreligious dialogue among students as perceived by one key stakeholder. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for public education on the way forward with regards to interreligious dialogue in schools.