Interfaith and intercultural couples: managing diversity and conflict through dialogue
Interfaith and intercultural relationships are becoming increasingly common in the UK and USA.
They’re a great example of bringing individuals, families and communities together across faith and/or cultural divides. However, in mixed relationships, there’s also potential conflict when navigating difference.
What’s more, in terms of wider families and communities, mixed couples may face conflict and even social isolation from either or both of the couple’s families or communities.
This is often due to:
- Fear of difference
- Notions of “dishonour”
- Anxieties around loss of cultural or religious heritage
In some communities, marrying outside one’s faith can in fact be a real taboo.
That’s where tools such as dialogue can offer a powerful means to prevent and manage conflict and diversity.
Dialogue can critically enable couples, their families and communities to strengthen and build relationships, as well as raise awareness and understanding of problems, ultimately resolving conflict.
Our couples project works to document the experiences of various interfaith/intercultural couples and the role of dialogue in their relationship.
Meet the couples
We welcome couples from all faiths and none, diverse cultural communities and both within and outside the LGBTQI+ community.
Take a look at our documented couples:
Find out more about the couples and their experiences here.
Take part
If you’re part of an interfaith/intercultural couple and would like to share your experiences, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
Likewise, if you’re an educator or religious/community leader and would like to find out more about the project/collaborate, please do contact us.
This project has been supported for publication as a part of the KAICIID Fellows Programme, which aims to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in research and scholarship in interreligious dialogue and related areas as part of their professional development and learning. The work undertaken has been conducted by external actors.
The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are strictly those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) or its Member States.
The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included, neither the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) nor its Member States will accept any liability in connection with these data.
Feature image credit: katemangostar on Freepik.
Voice of Salam 