A special issue of the journal Religions has 'shared religious education' as its focus. The special issue is co-edited by James Nelson from SSESW as well as Prof Karlo Mejer (Saarland University) and Dr Janet Orchard (University of Bristol).

Articles on the theme of shared religious education include contributions from scholars in South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and UK. Most report on work carried out in their own countries but some report on research projects that cover multiple international regions. The examples of shared religious education range widely. Some are primarily curriculum-based, while some focus on inter-faith contact, including dialogue in classrooms. Others have an emphasis on the organisational aspects of sharing such as Christian-Islamic education, where religious education is taught jointly by a Christian and Islamic teacher; or developing a shared digital strategy for religious education. Several provide specific pedagogical processes or models for shared learning in RE while others theorise about how powerful concepts such as hospitality or toleration can help translate pro-social objectives into actions.

While each of the projects or contexts they report on is different, the concept of sharing provides a valuable lens through which to see some common goals and skills across the settings. The editors believe there is a critical need for systems of education to create conditions for cooperation and collaboration, especially in contexts where students are separated by beliefs or worldviews. This collection shows, however, there are also rich possibilities for religious education to cultivate sharing attitudes and practises.

It is expected that more articles have yet to be added to this special issue so it will be worth keeping on eye on the web page in coming months. The journal contents are open source and so the full papers can be found at: Religions | Special Issue : Shared Religious Education