M
eet Woldegiorgis G. Teklay, a participant in our Basic Certificate Program in Interreligious Studies, who journeyed from initial hesitation and skepticism toward religion to an appreciation for the study and practice of interreligious dialogue. A member of the Ethiopian (now Tigrayan) Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the ancient Oriental Orthodox Churches, Woldegiorgis shares his compelling and, at times, unsettling spiritual journey and interreligious encounters, illuminating what may be described as a process of “double networking.”
For effective interreligious dialogue, one that emphasizes respectful engagement and openness toward the religious other, it is essential to cultivate intra-religious accountability: an honest and profound understanding of one’s own faith tradition. Woldegiorgis acknowledges that the program, along with the intercultural and interreligious exchanges at the college, inspired him to re-engage his own Orthodox faith tradition with renewed depth and commitment. His goal is to engage more meaningfully in interfaith dialogue and contribute to a theology of encounter grounded in authenticity and empathy.
Read his full reflection on his blog (https://gazetegna.com/archives/207), where he recounts his time at the college, early religious experiences, interreligious encounters, internship, the places he visited, his photovoice project, and his insights on the relevance of studying interreligious dialogue at OCCURSO.
