The Kristiansand Interfaith Dialogue 2026
The Kristiansand Interfaith Dialogue is preparing for its fourth annual conference, scheduled for May 4, 2026. As in previous years, the conference will be hosted by the University of Agder.
This year’s theme focuses on how different religions and belief organizations are portrayed in the media — both on social media and in mainstream media — and how these portrayals influence public perception and the way communities are treated.
We will explore questions such as: Does media representation foster understanding, or does it contribute to polarization? What responsibilities do journalists and editors carry in shaping these narratives? And what can we, as faith and belief communities, do to promote a more balanced and constructive dialogue?
Participation in the The Kristiansand Interfaith Dialogue conference is FREE. If you want to participate it would be very helpful that you register so that we can plan for snacks and lunch.
Registration and Coffee
Arrival and registration.
Light refreshments will be served (coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries).
Participants receive name badges and conference materials.
Opening Session
Greetings from the organising partners:
- Sunniva Whittaker, Rector University of Agder
- Fylkeskommunen eller Kristiansand Municipality
- STL Kristiansand
Session I - Personal Faith Journeys – Finding Meaning
Theme: “My Path – Stories of Faith, Choices and Values”
Short personal reflections (approximately 5 minutes each) from individuals representing diverse religions and worldviews.
Speakers will briefly introduce their tradition or belief system, share what is distinctive about it, and reflect on their personal reasons for belonging to that tradition. The focus will be on core values, sources of meaning, and—where relevant—personal conversion stories.
Break
Session II - Media, Religion and Representation
Theme: How Is Religion Portrayed in the Media?
Speaker: TBC
Panel dialogue
Panel chaired by Birgit Amalie Nilssen, Head of Outreach, ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Center
- Zeshan Ullah Qureshi, Doctoral Research Fellow, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
- Vebjørn Selbekk, Editor-in-chief of the Christian daily newspaper Dagen.
- Elise Kruse, Religion Editor at Vårt Land
Questions to the panel from the audience.
Lunch
Lunch will be served in the cafeteria or foyer.
Participants are invited to engage in informal conversations and visit information stands hosted by participating organisations.
Session III - Polarization and Respect in a Changing Society
Break
Session IV - Editors’ Panel, Media in Dialogue with Faith and Diversity
Closing Reflections
Summary of the day’s key insights.
Del dette arrangementet:
Publisert: 19. mars 2026 11:09
Oppdatert: 9. april 2026 18:20
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