CE | Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue

This program introduces students to the beliefs and practices of other the major religions that make up the demographics of the GTA (which reflect the major religions of the world generally), so that student can engage in meaningful dialogue with men and women of other religions. 

This diploma springs from the reality that the Greater Toronto Area is one of the most diverse places on earth. It is designed to introduce students to the spirituality of many of the different religions and faith communities who are our neighbours, leading to meaningful dialogue and new points of connection with other people.

CE | Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue

  • Diploma Outcomes

    By the end of the program, students will be able to:

    1. Understand and recount the historical origins, central teachings, devotional practices, and social/political influences of at least four major religions (informational and confessional aspects)
    2. Identify the major texts of at least four religions and explain how those texts are used in each religious practice (informational and confessional aspects)
    3. Articulate how more than one religion engages in religious topics such as peace and justice, prayer and mystical experience, etc. (relational and practical issues)
    4. Demonstrate the relationship between religion and culture through the arts and education (relational and practical issues)
    5. Engage in meaningful dialogue with men and women of other religions at either a personal or institutional level. This does not mean that every student will be members of dialogue teams; rather, through experiential learning they will come to understand the nuances of interfaith dialogue that can occur at every level: personal, local groups, and the larger institutional (when available).
  • Admission Requirements

    Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

    Admission is open to people of all faith traditions.

    A prior degree is not required to apply.

    Please submit your application:

    https://www.rsmtheology.utoronto.ca/prospective-students/degree-programs/application-for-diploma-in-interfaith-dialogue/

  • Fees

    Tuition fee per course: $150

    Note: Tuition fees for all courses are supported by a generous donation from the Scarborough Foreign Mission.
  • Program Requirements
    • The diploma comprises 8 courses, most of which will be made up of 12 hours of contact time (4 weeks at 3 hours per week).
    • The program will continue to be delivered in a synchronous format online by Zoom or Microsoft Teams. A learning management system will be introduced as the platform through which participants access the course, the remote class link and resources. The learning management system will also offer online discussion spaces and reflection sharing among participants.
    • The program structure will remain the same, with the exception of the reflection paper, which will replace the capstone project that was discontinued while the program was administered by the Faculty of Theology.

     

    The diploma requires: 

    2 mandatory introductory courses:

    • A Catholic Approach to Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
    • Theories and Practices of Dialogue

    2 courses from Category I (faith-based courses)

    2 courses from Category II (topics in interfaith encounter)

    2 additional courses from either category

    Reflection (new)

    Category I:

    Faith Communities of Toronto and the World

    These courses focus on the informational and confessional aspects of acquiring knowledge of another faith tradition’s history and beliefs as that faith tradition defines itself.  

    • First nations spiritualities
    • Buddhism
    • Christianity: an Ecumenical Approach
    • Hinduism
    • Islam
    • Judaism
    • Sikhism
    		 Category II: 

    Topics in Interfaith Encounter

    These courses focus on the relational and practical issues that emerge in interfaith encounters.  

    • Women and Religion
    • Religion, Migration and World Geography
    • Global Christianity/inculturation
    • Peace and Justice
    • Prayer and Mysticism
    • Religious architecture/Sacred Spaces (could be category I as well)
    • Education and World Religions
    • Religious Texts
  • Fall 2024 Courses

    Introduction to Islam

    This course will introduce participants to the diverse cultural and religious traditions of the Muslim community. It will assist participants in developing an understanding of the common values of Abrahamic as well as provide a platform to discuss and reflect on different aspects of Islamic faith and civilization. The course will also provide responses to common questions about Islamic faith and contemporary issues.

    • Course schedule: The course will be scheduled on a weekday evening from 6:30pm – 9:30pm online for four consecutive weeks in either October or November 2024.
    • Instructor: TBA
    • Location: Remote

     

    Dialogue – Principles and Practices

    This course delves into contemporary approaches to interreligious dialogue, with a focus on examples from Canada and the Greater Toronto Area. The ideal candidate will have expertise in religious studies or a related field, with a commitment to promoting mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities and experience teaching online.
    • Course schedule: The course will be scheduled on a weekday evening from 6:30pm –9:30pm online for four consecutive weeks in either October or November, 2024.
    • Location: Remote

Questions?

Please contact ce.stmikes@utoronto.ca

Apply Now