The workshop begins with a presentation focusing on the key traits and questions which make interfaith leadership unique, including an emphasis on pluralism, compassion, respect for all ideas, and how to build up to meaningful and well-intentioned dialogue. The workshop will then move into a semi-structured dialogue session in small groups focusing on development of these traits and engaging in dialogue from the perspective described in the presentation. The session will then end with a full group consideration of the success, challenges, and new ideas sprouting from these dialogues.
Students attending this session can expect to learn what makes interfaith principles particularly suitable for 21st-century challenges, as well as to develop a sense of what interfaith principles look like in practice. Skills in holding dialogue and treating ideas with compassion will also be practiced.
Presenter: Pat Lally
Pat Lally is a Nazareth University student studying music therapy and serves as a Bonner Student Leader, focusing on interfaith dialogue. Their interest in interfaith leadership stems from exploring their own spirituality and helping others understand their personal truths. Pat’s experience emphasizes compassion in everyday interactions, informed by their studies as a student clinician and their work as a Bonner Leader.