Inter-Cultural versus Inter-Religious Dialogue in a Pluralist Europe

Intercultural dialogue, as currently theorized and practised by the Council of Europe, is limited in its capacity to contribute to social cohesion in and among religious communities who differ fundamentally from each other. Adherents of the major religions believe that their religion is uniquely true and consequently feel that their religious beliefs and values are misrepresented if public bodies in the name of 'neutrality' or secular principles imply or affirm the equal truth of all religions. They conclude from this approach that there is no real respect for religious difference. The Council of Europe's remit and practices harbour many explicit and implicit secular assumptions and commitments which, for now, decline to assess religious claims to truth and therefore refuse to decide between rival doctrinal positions. This article argues that only interreligious dialogue takes religions and religious difference seriously and is able to develop respect and lead potentially to 'shared values' between rival ways of religious thinking.