By Jamie Brian
Exercising freedom of religion or belief is a right granted to all people under the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Regardless of culture, nation, or religious affiliation, every person should be able to express their opinions and practice their religion without fear of punishment.
Despite the protections granted by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are still actions of intolerance and violence against religious communities. A recent example of religious intolerance is the 2018 attack at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, where a shooter opened fire during Shabbat morning services and killed eleven Jewish community members. Overseas, an ongoing crisis is the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar. The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority who have lived for centuries in Myanmar, are denied citizenship and fundamental rights and have been forced to flee their homes. Their stateless condition makes them vulnerable to exploitation and sexual and gender-based violence.
On International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, we support victims of faith-based acts of violence and terrorism. We also envision a world where “intolerance” is a word of the past. To make this vision a reality, the International Institute of Akron would like to share five habits that we can all practice to be more tolerant of people whose beliefs differ from ours.
1. Put yourself in the other person’s situation
Sometimes, we are not tolerant of others because we don’t understand them. Keep an open mind and imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes. How would you feel if you were in their situation? Empathy is a bridge that can make understanding a different point of view easier.
2. Ask questions about different religions and ways of life
There are over 10,000 distinct religions worldwide, and each religion has its own beliefs and nuances. If you meet someone who practices a religion you’re unfamiliar with, take the time to ask questions. Our lives can be enriched by learning from the diversity around us.
3. Listen more than you talk
As humans, we tend to jump to conclusions whenever someone is speaking. Mid-conversation, we start thinking about how we will respond, and we don’t give the other person our full attention. We can have more engaging conversations by listening more than we talk and refraining from adding our comments until after the other person is finished speaking.
4. Be respectful of the other person’s opinions
You may disagree with the other person’s opinions, and that’s OK. No one will agree all of the time. Recognize differences in belief but don’t be disrespectful. Everyone has the right to form an opinion, and different ways of thinking can be equally valid.
5. Attend a religious service at a new place of worship
If your friend practices a religion different from yours, ask for permission to attend a service with them. There is no better way to understand a religion than by experiencing it and learning from its practitioners.
