Twenty-first century education in light of interreligious dialogue

The objective of the research was to identify the needs of academic experts, administrative personnel and the technical staff of entities currently working on interreligious dialogue in Catalonia. A qualitative methodology was used and data were collected through interviews. The participants were interviewed with regard to the need for a conceptual clarification of religion, a conceptual clarification of interreligious dialogue and the factors that promote this dialogue, and the role of education of socio-educational agents. The results of the interviews show that changing attitudes through training is an important factor to promote interreligious dialogue. Such training should be transversal and permanent, and span lower to higher education as well as continuing education, particularly among professionals who work directly with people. Religious education curriculum in schools should focus on religious diversity and values, while in higher education it is necessary to address this topic in greater depth in order to overcome prejudices and stereotypes.