Handover of the Interfaith Calendar 2025: A symbol of dialogue and cooperation
At the end of 2024, the BaFID Interfaith Calendar was presented to representatives of the participating religious communities, members of the Board of Trustees and numerous other personalities.
The calendar, which combines the most important festivals and holidays of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, was created by BaFID to promote understanding and tolerance between the three major monotheistic religions and is intended to help reduce misunderstandings and prejudices and strengthen the interreligious communication of values in our society. Long more than a simple date sheet, the calendar is a cultural and dialogue project that highlights religious diversity and the commonalities it conceals. The aim is to raise awareness of the different religious traditions and their respective importance for peaceful coexistence.
For the second time, this calendar has been compiled with great dedication and care; it provides a comprehensive overview of the most important religious holidays of the various monotheistic faith communities in Germany. It creates understanding and facilitates dialogue between the different religions, which is invaluable in an increasingly diverse society.
The Director of BaFID, Prof Dr Georges Tamer, says: ‘The calendar is not only a practical tool for everyday life, but also makes a valuable contribution to interreligious understanding and strengthens social cohesion’.
In addition to many personalities from politics, academia and civil society, the calendar was also received by a large number of institutions.
Interreligious Discourse as the Key to Peacebuilding
The Interfaith Calendar is a practical tool that enables us to better understand and respect each other’s religious celebrations and traditions. In an increasingly globalised world, where religious and cultural diversity characterise society, it is of utmost importance to build bridges and break down prejudices. This idea of mutual respect and co-operation is brought to life every year through the calendar and is an invitation to everyone to actively participate in promoting peaceful coexistence.
In addition to the purely practical function of the calendar, its symbolic significance should not be underestimated. It reminds us that diversity is a strength and that dialogue between religions is not only necessary, but also enriching. Especially in 2025, a year in which global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions demand international attention, the promotion of peace and understanding is of particular importance.
Conclusion: A look ahead to the year 2025
With the presentation of the Interfaith Calendar 2025, BaFID is once again sending a clear signal about the importance of interfaith rapprochement and understanding between cultures. The calendar is a valuable tool that can enrich everyday life and promote exchange between faith communities. It reminds us that each religion has its own depth and wisdom that must be respected and appreciated.
In this sense, the Interfaith Calendar also offers many valuable insights for the year 2025 and is a call to look for common ground across religious and cultural boundaries and to understand and accept differences – an important step towards a fairer and more peaceful world.
We would like to thank the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior, for Sport and Integration for the financial support of the project.
Copies of the calendar can be purchased for €15.00 hier