Abstract

Positive intergroup contact is considered to be essential for social cohesion in diverse Western societies. Australia, with a long-established social policy of multiculturalism, has seen a continuing rise in religious diversity. As such, policy makers have considered interfaith dialogue initiatives as an effective mechanism for promoting intergroup contact. However, little is understood about the factors that influence Australia’s two largest religious groups’—Christians and Muslims—attitudes toward interfaith dialogue. This paper focuses on Australia’s Uniting Church’s engagement in interfaith dialogue and explores the factors influencing their attitudes toward participating in interfaith dialogue with Australian Muslims. Employing a constructivist grounded theory methodology, the study, which involves everyday adherents as well as religious leaders, highlights a multitude of positive and negative drivers. These include fear of the unknown, a lack of relational proximity, and a diminished congregational confidence to engage in non-traditional practices.