A message of friendship across faiths

On June 14, 2017, the most prominent leaders of the world’s major religions released a unique call to make friends across religions to overcome division and enhance understanding. It was made by Pope Francis, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and many others.

Looking for what connects us

In collaboration with Letsheal and the The Elijah Interfaith Institute, Motivaction contributed a report based on global Glocalities research and a video interview.

The joint statement of the spiritual leaders intends to counter a widespread misperception that followers of religions other than our own view us with distrust and disdain. While, in reality, the worldwide Glocalities study (n=56,000) shows that people of all faiths are generally open to people with other beliefs.

Openness across beliefs

We explored how people feel about meeting others with a different faith or philosophy of life. The results offer insight into whether a message of friendship can speak across religious boundaries.

Friendship as common ground

Glocalities Research Director Martijn Lampert said, during the press conference, that a message promoting friendship across religions is likely to resonate with the majority of religious people around the world, which comprises 84% of the world population. We looked at friendship alongside a broad set of human values, comparing how it resonates across faiths and among people with no religious affiliation. We also considered shared motivations, including helping others and learning.

From research to a message

Our analysis points to potential for a message of friendship across religions, grounded in values people share across backgrounds. Download the full report to explore the international findings and the evidence behind this potential.