Interreligious competence is becoming a key social skill. Contact with adherents of other religions is not only increasing on a global level, it's increasing within individual countries as they become more heterogeneous and pluralistic. Potential areas of conflict -- such as coeducational gym classes, religious instruction or religious symbols in the classroom -- are everyday examples of how it is no longer possible to ignore other cultures and religions.

One key prerequisite for peaceful coexistence among the diverse cultures present in society today is knowledge of other religious tenets, traditions and customs. Only such knowledge can help us understand and benefit from our everyday experiences.

In its Interreligious Competence project module, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is therefore developing new approaches to successful interreligious dialogue. As a first step, the initiatives and organizations in Germany that are already focusing on interreligious dialogue are being networked to help them intensify their exchange and to pool the resources available to them. In addition, the project is examining the role interreligious competence currently plays in school and university curricula throughout Europe. As part of this focus, approaches are being developed for assessing interreligious competence and for using innovative methods to impart it, such as virtual competence centers or certification programs. Expert panels, exchange programs and discussion forums are also being organized to help increase the interreligious competence of opinion and thought leaders in the political, social and educational spheres.