Interreligious Dialogue
As part of our Christian profile, we have a daily devotional time in the morning. Christian and Muslim students from grades six to twelve come together in the school church, while the primary school children meet in our small auditorium. The devotional times are organized both by teachers and students and are naturally integrated in our school life. In times of political strife, these meetings become a place where pain and prayers are shared. For example, teachers and students organized a very moving Taizé prayer time during the Gaza war in 2009.
Talitha Kumi's focus on religious tolerance and respect for other people of different faiths also shows itself in our religious education. In 11th grade, a Muslim and a Christian religious education teacher instruct students together on content and values of both religions. We have yet to find a teacher who represents Judaism.
This pedagogical approach is unique in the entire Arabic world. The program is monitored by Bethlehem University. Program objectives are as follows:
- to better understand one's own religion
- to better understand the other person's religion
- to accept the faith and the rituals of the others (without being pressured to do so)
- to respect the other's symbols, holy sites and holy scriptures
- to allow other people to freely express their faith, and celebrate their rituals
- not to judge entire faith groups on grounds of the behavior of one person
- to protect religion from abuse
- to encourage and intensify open discussion and exchange among the youths.