Patel: Mobilize Youth Toward Religious Pluralism

April 3, 2009

Author: Nan Hu

Source: The Daily Princetonian

http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2009/04/03/23259/

The time has come to mobilize the ever-growing youth population to move toward religious pluralism and away from extremism, Eboo Patel said Thursday night in the second address of the Program on Religion, Diplomacy and International Relations Spring Lecture Series.

The lecture, titled “Acts of Faith: Interfaith Leadership in a Time of Religious Crisis,” focused on motivating young people to respect others’ ethical and religious differences.

Patel is the founder and executive director of the Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and a member of the President’s Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Patel defined pluralism as “believing those of different backgrounds can live in harmony.” He added that respect, positive relationships between people of different backgrounds and “collective commitment to common good” are key components of pluralism.

Patel said the aims of his organization coincide with former Chicago resident Obama’s goal of America playing “its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

See also: Interfaith, Campus