PROMOTION OF CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, CONSULTATION, AND EXCHANGE INTRODUCTION Interfaith relations in pluralistic societies varies. Whereas some enjoy peaceful co-existence and even collaborate with each other, in other societies, religions are hostile to each other. While some societies practice one religion, others are pluralistic in the sense that, their members practice and belong to various religions in those societies where religions are hostile to each other. Our gathering is a testimony to this fact. Peaceful interfaith relationships have grown over the years ensuring that constructive interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange are practiced. This is the basis for my presentation. This presentation will highlight issues that generate constructive interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange and how best this can be achieved. It will draw on the Sierra Leone experience as an example of one of the leading countries in interfaith peaceful co-existence. In Sierra Leone, there are two main religions (Islam and Christianity) but there is also African Traditional Religion (ATR) that serves as the religious basis of the cultures in Sierra Leone. ISSUES RELATED TO CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, CONSULTATION AND EXCHANGE Religious practices and beliefs are diverse. Some are such that they cannot tolerate relationship with people of other religions. Others encourage constructive dialogue, consultation, and exchange on issues especially in the following areas: 1. SOCIO POLITICAL ISSUES: These issues include the provision of education, health facilities, political organizations such as democracy, sharia law, resolving peace and conflict and human right related issues including gender based violence, early marriage of the girl child, and teenage pregnancy. - 2. RELIGIOUS PRACTICES: such as marriage, funerals, religious festivals such as Ramadan, Christmas, Esther, etc. Place arid manner of worship. 3. ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT ISSUES: That is, whether or not Christians/Muslims should be employed in organizations/institutions they do not belong. The above-mentioned issues and many others are very critical for peaceful constructive interfaith relationship. Constructive interfaith dialogue, consultation and exchange are therefore useful/vital tools for peaceful religious co-existence.  Dialogue is conversation and exchange of opinions and ideas between two or more people.  Consultation is conferring and deliberating with others to reach an agreeable logical conclusion.

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