|TOP|Young Christians and Muslims gathered from across Europe in Strasbourg last week to tackle Islamophobia and promote inter-religious dialogue.

The special study session was organised jointly by the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE) and the Forum of European Muslim and Youth Organisations (FEMYSO).

Running under the title “Overcoming Islamophobia – promoting inter-religious dialogue and co-operation”, the study session pooled together knowledge, skills and experience to explore different avenues for overcoming the Islamophobia that “does exist in Europe”, an EYCE statement said.

The study session aimed particularly at giving the youngsters the information and practical skills needed for making the session’s title a reality in the respective national and local contexts.

|AD|Participants at the event worked in small mixed groups to study the theoretical roots of Islamophobia and familiarise themselves with the practical tools needed for effective inter-religious dialogue.

A special lecture on “Defining Islamophobia” was delivered by Bashy Quraishy from the European Network Against Racism, while Dr Gavan Titley, Professor at the National University of Ireland, led a lecture and a workshop on the role of mass media in the construction of Islamophobia.

The latter part of the week was used by the delegates to plan ways in which the newly acquired skills and knowledge could be used on return to their respective countries.

The week-long event was punctuated by Muslim and Christian prayers that were open for everyone to attend to which were “much appreciated by the participants as they provided a unique opportunity to observe the practices of both religions”. The common prayers also provided a welcome avenue to fresh discussions.

The young Christians and Muslims also joined together in an excursion to a Friday prayer at the local Mosque which was “also considered to be a very good experience”.

The Intercultural Banquet and Intercultural Evening also saw a display of taste, music and colour from each country present.

The EYCE statement read: ”The study session was highly valued by the participants. EYCE & FEMYSO are pleased to have trained young Muslims and Christians to act as multipliers in their local contexts to overcome Islamophobia by promoting inter-religious dialogue and co-operation.

”Seeing the real need for dialogue in the Europe today and committed to further mutual respect and understanding both organisations are committed in continuing to work on this field in the future.”