Regional Interfaith Dialogue

Among the many aspects of religion within the Southeast Asia and Pacific region that today command attention, two things stand out. The first, as this book amply demonstrates, is that there is a very full and rich diversity of religious identity, expression and life present in the region. Indeed, the religious milieu of most nations is impressively variegated. And within the region as a whole, as well as within the nations that comprise it, no one religion predominates overall, although three world religions – Buddhism, Christianity and Islam – are variously dominant. But these three are themselves undeniably situated within multi-faith milieus, even where they command majority allegiance. Plurality rules; religious diversity is the norm. The second aspect commanding attention is that the attitude of the States, or of governments, within the region vis-a-vis religion is undergoing change. At the very least this rich religious diversity requires a measure of management, and religion has re-emerged in recent times as a key factor in respect not just to communal identity but also inter-communal and social harmony – or disruption where things go awry. In some instances the change faced by the State is quite significant. This is because, in broad terms, the political context of religion throughout the region is that of secularity: none of the countries is a religious state as such, even though in some cases one religion may have special status as being the de jure faith of the land. But, even so, other religions are allowed for.