Interfaith Dialogue Efforts to Bridging the Gap for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The cooperative, positive interaction and understanding between people of different faiths or spiritual beliefs is one among the key essence of human existence. Thus, no meaningful relationship and development exist where there is rancor, disharmony and intolerance between the adherents of faiths in any given society. It is against this background that this paper examined the interfaith dialogue and understanding as instruments towards achieving a sustainable future. The researcher used secondary source of data from internet, textbooks, journals and other relevant manuscripts to do justice to this paper. The findings of the study revealed that interfaith dialogue is one of the major means of promoting peace, understanding and tolerance between different faiths. The study further revealed that to achieve a sustainable development, interfaith dialogue must be strengthened, exercised and institutionalized in a society. The study concluded that interfaith dialogue should not be factionalized, personalized and regionalized to enhance a peaceful coexistence irrespective of faith. The study suggested that interfaith dialogue should be a community based institutions such that traditional rulers, clergy men, individuals, government and various Non-Governmental Organisations are involved to enhance sustainable development driven society