FROM PROSELYTISATION TO DIALOGUE?: ISSUES IN CATHOLIC INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study explores the practice of interfaith dialogue between the Catholic Church and other religious communities in Singapore, drawing from interviews with key interfaith leaders in Singapore and documented dialogue events from 2001 to 2019. This period saw increased efforts by the Catholic Church towards interfaith dialogue. In order to examine the nature of dialogue in practice, I first identified models of Catholic dialogue in Singapore, and then investigated the problems that emerged in this process, namely elitism and representation. The study found that a generalised critique of elitism in Catholic dialogue in Singapore is unwarranted, as justifications exist for religious elites to participate in dialogue. However, there are areas where dialogue should move beyond the religious elites. Representation is a more significant issue, as the underrepresentation of groups including conservative Catholics and Protestant Christians suggest that diverse views are not part of dialogue, despite the apparent success of dialogue at certain levels of engagement. The impact of interfaith dialogue on wider society may therefore be dampened due to a lack of engagement outside the established circles. Intra-dialogue between Christians is suggested as a means to improve inclusivity and advance the cause of interfaith dialogue in Singapore.