Catholic Community Cohesion

[Nick Chater]

This blog post is a summary of the main ideas and thoughts from a recent publication from the CES entitled: 'Catholic Schools, Children of other faiths and community cohesion: Cherishing education for human growth.'

The publication can be downloaded here

Vincent Nichols in his forward suggests that inter faith dialogue is a theme taken up by the teachings of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI which speak of the "integral human development in terms of the 'ecology of human growth.' '' This environment is developed with the intention that the human person can blossom and all can contribute to this.

The paper is broken into three distinct areas for dialogue:

The dialogue of life: ecology of daily living (loving tenderly)

good practice:
taking a full interest in all faith groups, treating them with the dignity they deserve
seeking appropriate ways to acknowledge family events
sharing special food
encourage students of all faiths to make a significant contribution (prefects etc)
promote: health and well being, PE, good diet, team-building, responsible citizenship activities

The dialogue of action: ecology of social justice (act justly)
good practice:
community projects based around 'works of mercy'
highlight links between festivals that encourage fasting and alms giving
children to write the charity policy of the school
invite faith based charities in
establish contact with members other faiths and invite them in
highlight shared values and the commitment of faith communities


The dialogue of theological exchange: ecology of faith and religious experience (walking humbly)

good practice:
reading out messages of goodwill at assemblies or sending them directly to parents
bring and share suppers
giving students knowledge and opportunity to be aware of other religious festivals
freedom day


Ensuring good practice in Schools (Community Cohesion)

Another useful paper at this link



Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education:

.....' From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics.'