Bridging Divides: How Interfaith Dialogue Reduces Biases and Stereotypes
In today’s polarized world, where misunderstandings and stereotypes often fuel division, the role of interfaith dialogue in reducing bias has never been more critical. I’ve witnessed firsthand in activities like Interfaith Photovoice how multi-faith engagement and friendships can transform not just individuals but communities. At its best, interfaith work addresses how we form and challenge our biases. And this isn’t by coincidence: work in psychology shows us that addressing cognitive biases and promoting understanding will help improve intergroup relations.
Understanding Bias
Cognitive biases are shortcuts our brains use to make sense of the world quickly. While efficient, they often lead to distorted perceptions of others, especially those outside our social or cultural groups. This can lead to negative perceptions of others and then we treat them differently. For instance, confirmation bias—our tendency to seek information that supports our existing beliefs—can make it difficult to challenge stereotypes. In-group favoritism, the preference for those who are similar to us, also reinforces divisions.
Interfaith engagement can directly address these cognitive biases. By creating a structured environment where individuals from different religious, secular, and spiritual backgrounds can share their experiences and beliefs, we can provide equitable and positive opportunities to engage with “the other.” These conversations challenge assumptions and humanize those who might otherwise be reduced to stereotypes. It provides a source of being able to put ourselves in each other’s shoes, get to know them, and have an appreciation for them.
I experienced this firsthand when I initially made assumptions about a woman wearing a hijab, unconsciously viewing her through the lens of my own biases. However, after meeting a woman from Oman (at the Michigan Through Omani Eyes photovoice exhibit) and engaging in meaningful conversations about her traditions and faith, I began to see beyond religion. Her beliefs became less of a defining characteristic and more of a window into a shared humanity—a part of myself that I had not yet come to know. This shift in perspective resonates with Valerie Kaur’s teachings on recognizing others as part of ourselves, deepening our capacity for understanding and connection.
The Psychology of Perspective-Taking
One of the most powerful tools in reducing bias is perspective-taking: the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. Research in social psychology shows that perspective-taking reduces prejudice by increasing empathy and understanding. Interfaith engagement, when done thoughtfully, naturally fosters this skill.
I remember one particular conversation during my Global Religions class while studying abroad in London, where I spoke with a Hindu classmate about our respective holiday seasons. She shared how her family celebrates Diwali, describing the lights, the gatherings with loved ones, and the sense of renewal that the holiday brings. As she spoke, I realized how much her experiences mirrored my own traditions back home, especially in the way that family, food, and reflection play a central role in both our celebrations. Before this conversation, I had some preconceived ideas about Diwali—mostly shaped by surface-level knowledge—but hearing her personal perspective helped me understand it in a much deeper and more personal way. It was a reminder of how meaningful these exchanges can be in breaking down assumptions and fostering true interfaith understanding. This is why perspective-taking is important, and this is what we hope to continue fostering at Interfaith Photovoice.
Practical Strategies in Interfaith Work
For interfaith dialogue to effectively reduce bias, it must be intentional. Here are some helpful strategies:
Facilitating Open Conversations: Encourage participants to share personal stories rather than debating abstract theological concepts. Stories humanize and connect people. Refrain from generalizing to all of the people who follow a certain tradition.
Setting Ground Rules: Ensures that discussions remain respectful and that all voices are heard, especially those from marginalized groups. We call these “Community Agreements” and it is established and customized for each group that gathers to make sure all voices in the room feel comfortable sharing.
Diversity in Representation: Include a wide range of perspectives to avoid tokenizing any single group.
Through these strategies, intentionally multi-faith spaces become a laboratory for empathy—spaces where participants can practice engaging with differences constructively and safely, free from judgement.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of reducing bias through interfaith work extends far beyond individual participants. When people challenge their stereotypes, they often influence others in their social circles. For example, a participant who learns to appreciate the beauty of Sikh traditions may later share that understanding with their friends and family, planting seeds of empathy and openness in others.
We also know that reducing bias has tangible benefits for society. Studies show that communities with lower levels of prejudice are more cohesive, resilient, and innovative. Research indicates that fostering intergroup respect and understanding leads to more positive emotional responses and greater willingness to collaborate. Additionally, diverse communities that successfully navigate in-group and out-group dynamics build stronger social bonds, leading to increased problem-solving and adaptability. Studies on intercultural teams further highlight that mutual respect and adaptive coping mechanisms in diverse settings lead to more effective teamwork and innovation. By dismantling stereotypes, interfaith dialogue contributes to building a more inclusive and harmonious world.
A Call to Action
If we want to reduce the biases and stereotypes that divide us, we must be willing to engage in meaningful conversations with those who are different from us. It’s not always comfortable, and it often requires us to confront our own preconceived notions. But the rewards—greater understanding, deeper empathy, and stronger communities—are well worth the effort.
I invite you to take the first step. Attend an intentionally interfaith event, ask questions, and listen with an open mind. If you don’t know where to start, consider our free online monthly workshop. You might be surprised by how much you learn—not just about others, but about yourself. Interfaith dialogue is a space where we can move beyond our biases and see each other for who we truly are.