Diversity of beliefs and community building

introduction

The project ‘Diversity of Beliefs and Community Building’ addresses the profound transformation of the religious and spiritual landscape of the Basque Country. This context is characterised by the historical decline of Catholicism's influence, rapid secularisation, and growing diversity driven by immigration. In response, the main objective of the project is to promote social cohesion and intercultural dialogue to strengthen coexistence in a society with diverse beliefs.

To this end, a dual methodology is proposed: on the one hand, qualitative academic research to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and conclusions of the current situation; and on the other, a comprehensive community action programme structured into four thematic modules. These modules analyse fundamental aspects of the link between spirituality and community: rites of passage, sacred places, solidarity practices such as auzolan, and the spiritual dimension of language (Basque).

Through participatory activities (seminars, workshops, testimonials, podcasts and photography competitions), the project aims to create a safe and enriching space in which people from different backgrounds can share their experiences and learn from each other. The expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of religious diversity, the strengthening of community ties and the formulation of recommendations for public policies for a more inclusive society. Ultimately, the project aims to have a long-term impact, promoting sustainable dialogue and contributing to the construction of a more cohesive and diverse Basque society.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of the project are:

• To analyse Basque spiritual practices (traditional and contemporary) in a context of cultural diversity.
• To promote coexistence between different religions and spiritualities.
• To consolidate the community through shared values and experiences.
• To create a space of intercultural richness that fosters mutual understanding and social cohesion.

KEY QUESTIONS

The research will seek to answer the following key questions:

• What has been the role of the Catholic Church in the Basque community and what are the consequences of its decline?
• What challenges does religious diversity pose for coexistence?
• How can social cohesion be strengthened in a society with multiple moral and spiritual codes?
• What values can weave the community together today?
• What is and what could be the coexistence between new forms of spirituality and religions?

METHODOLOGY

The project is structured into two distinct blocks, combining theoretical and practical approaches.

PHASE 1: ACADEMIC RESEARCH

The first block of the project focuses on qualitative research to answer the key questions mentioned above. To this end, different techniques will be used:

• Content analysis: Historical texts, religious publications and contemporary studies will be analysed.
• In-depth interviews: These will be conducted with religious leaders, community members and new practitioners of spirituality.
• Focus groups: Discussion groups will be organised between different religious communities.

PHASE 2: SEMINARS AND THEMATIC WORKSHOPS

The second block consists of practical work with social agents, organised around four thematic modules. Each module follows a common structure to encourage participation and dialogue:

• Initial seminar: With the participation of experts to contextualise the central theme.
• Interactive workshops: For participants to share their experiences and reflect in small groups.
• Recorded testimonials: To disseminate the voices and perspectives of participants through social media.
• Podcast: Each seminar will be recorded and disseminated in an accessible format.
• Photography competition: Visual expression of the themes of each module.

Detailed description of the Thematic Modules

Four modules have been designed to work on different aspects of community spirituality.
 

PROJECT MANAGER:

Arantza Cuesta Ezeiza

Project aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals: