Interreligious dialogue as the key to tackling climate change!

Interreligious dialogue as the key to tackling climate change!

On March 18, 2025, the exhibition “We are Creation” will open in Münster, which deals with the ethical foundations of the Abrahamic religions. As the University of Münster reports, the event aims to stimulate reflection on responsibility in dealing with the environment and the preservation of creation. The religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam share the call for gratitude, humility and a sense of responsibility towards nature.

The event is particularly relevant given the pressing challenges of climate change. Historically, the Middle East has been heavily affected by the consequences of climate change. The region is characterized by a shared heritage of values ​​that promote environmental responsibility. Ethical principles from the Abrahamic religions are intended to help us better deal with the challenges of climate change.

Lecture series on interreligious discussion

Accompanying the exhibition there will be a series of lectures that deal with three perspectives: the Jewish, the Christian and the Muslim. The lectures are scheduled as follows:

• 7. April 2025, 14 Uhr: Dr. Deborah Williger – Jüdische Perspektive.
• 8. April 2025, 18 Uhr: Prof. Dr. Simone Sinn – Christliche Perspektive.
• 9. April 2025, 14 Uhr: Prof. Dr. Mouhanad Khorchide – Muslimische Perspektive.

All events take place in Hall 1 of the Münster district government. Each lecture ends with a discussion that offers space for questions and interreligious dialogue. Registration is mandatory.

Climate change is considered one of humanity's greatest challenges. In this context, it is important to include scientific, cultural and religious perspectives. Religious communities see climate change as a moral challenge that requires ethical action. Many faiths emphasize the sustainable use of resources and the preservation of creation as a divine mandate.

Interreligious cooperation for environmental protection

How das-wissen.de highlights, religious communities can raise awareness of climate change and support practical action to combat it. Intercultural perspectives show that religious values ​​play a central role regardless of cultural differences. Interreligious dialogue has the potential to develop common solutions and bring different faith communities together.

The Religions for Peace Germany initiative supports this by promoting environmental ethics projects and interreligious networking. Protecting the natural foundations of life is a priority task for the world population. Religious communities are already actively involved in ecological projects and it is emphasized that close collaboration with initiatives such as Greenfaith can create synergies for nature conservation.

Overall, the focus is on the creation theologies of the major world religions, whose spiritual attitudes towards nature should be given greater emphasis in education. The aim is to promote increased interreligious and environmental ethics education that improves awareness of interpersonal and human-natural relationships.