Religious Literacy
Research and consensus information show that faith has a critical role in the life of individuals and communities in the region. We all need to understand religions better since mutual respect and understanding contribute to cohesion in our communities and avoid the tensions and intolerance that have featured so highly in recent news events. Religious literacy is also a requirement since Employment Equality law in 2003 extends to protection from discrimination on the grounds of religious belief. Improved religious literacy will also reduce the gap between political rhetoric and real understanding of the meaning and significance of faith.A guide to Religious Literacy, originally published in 2001, provides an overview of faiths in the region and is used extensively in the region for Faith Matters training and awareness raising.