EYCE Campaign to Overcome Fundamentalism | 2008-2010
Inter-religious dialogue is a key element in creating a peaceful and respectful world. Yet, the actors in this dialogue often face fundamentalism. This can lead to a situation where few organisations engage in dialogue, but where this work represents only a small part of the society, creating a sort of “happy island of inter-religious dialogue”. During EYCE’s work on inter-religious dialogue, together with its members and partners, it became clear that many societies and organisations throughout Europe are challenged by the phenomenon of fundamentalism. As an appropriate contribution to the need to be equipped to face it, EYCE decided to launch a three-year (2008 – 2010) inter-religious campaign to promote among its members and partners awareness, practical tools and good practice on overcoming (not only) religious fundamentalism.
The Campaign was built upon strong emphasis on wide participation of young people coming from various religious communities and backgrounds from all around Europe. Crucial in this campaign was the work with the inter-religious partners, such as Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) and European Interfaith Youth Network (EIYN).
The campaign consisted of a variety of elements – thematic events, study visits, publication (“Fundamental Issues” magazine), as well as awareness raising materials. Throughout the duration of the campaign there were three events held – training courses in Albania and FYROMacedonia, and a conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Materials such as T-shirts, postcards and posters were produced to inform about the campaign. Finally, you can read the 6 issues of campaign magazine here.