At the Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum in Chicago, former President Obama championed pluralism as a cornerstone for fostering harmony amid diversity. He illustrated his point by referencing houses of worship sharing resources and highlighted the inclusivity of megachurches as examples of bridge-building. He asserted that pluralism is not about ignoring differences but navigating them collaboratively.
Challenges in Practicing Pluralism
Obama acknowledged the difficulty of achieving pluralism, describing it as a process that demands compromise and resilience. Reflecting on his presidency, he shared experiences negotiating with those who questioned his legitimacy. He underscored that pluralism requires seeing beyond zero-sum scenarios and seeking mutual wins, citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s framing of justice as a collective American issue rather than a racial one.
Lessons from Megachurches
In a lighter moment, Obama pointed to megachurches as models of inclusion. He praised their approach of welcoming people with open arms, engaging them in community activities, and building trust before delving into deeper discussions of faith. This “big tent” philosophy, he suggested, could inspire broader efforts to create unity.
Concrete Actions for Pluralism
Obama stressed the importance of action over rhetoric in fostering trust. He cited examples such as interfaith groups aiding disaster victims and historically divided communities collaborating to address shared challenges. To advance pluralism, he proposed forming community groups focused on collective efforts, particularly those that engage children and adults alike.
A Global Need for Bridge-Building
While addressing U.S. challenges, Obama broadened the conversation to global divisions, whether regional in Spain, religious in India, or ethnic in Kenya. He expressed confidence in pluralism’s viability in the current era, urging a commitment to its ideals worldwide. “I believe the answer is yes,” he concluded.
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Obama makes plea for pluralism, citing interfaith partnerships, megachurches
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