The Institute for Interreligious Dialogue and Islamic Studies (IRDIS), under missionaries of Africa (MAfr) and within Tangaza University College(TUC), is founded to address the increased needs on the field of dialogue and cooperation between religions and the studying of Islam in an East African context. IRDIS is founded under three pillars namely, Academic, Network and Services.
VISION
Kenya is peaceful and IRD is used as a tool for social cohesion by Catholic and faith based actors. A strong partnership is built and sustained by Missionaries of Africa (MAfr), Tangaza and their partners to promote Inter-religious Dialogue (IRD) for peace, justice and integrity of creation. Tangaza University College is a known national and international hub and hosts networks for academic and practitioners of IRD. It has developed full academic and pastoral programmes for interreligious dialogue. The university offers a variety of IRD trainings and outreach programs. IRD content is integrated in all academic programs and put into practice at grassroots levels.
MISSION
The Missionaries of Africa (MAfr) will appoint/ nominate an adviser to coordinate IRD activities. In partnership with Tangaza, will create an Institute to reach out to national and international actors/ partners on IRD matters. They will organize meetings and conferences and establish networks of IRD actors. The Institute will help Tangaza to revise existing and launch new academic programs from an IRD perspective. Specific trainings, summer courses and outreach programs will be designed and offered to reach a wider audience in Catholic and faith based actors to change their attitudes towards other religions and enable them to use IRD tools for peace and social cohesion. The school of theology will expand the curriculum of Islamic studies to develop a degree program in Christian- Muslim relations; and IRD, masters in Interreligious Dialogue Studies, Masters in Human Dignity and Religions (International) and PHD in Religious Studies.