The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) is pleased to announce that it has received a $1.5 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust (TRT) for a three-year project on “Advancing Covenantal Pluralism in Asia.” The grant will support the creation of educational resources and building of new networks in key countries where IGE’s relational diplomacy has provided unique access and partnerships: China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar. Amidst an alarming rise in religion-related conflict and persecution, particularly in Asia, there is a critical need for innovative efforts to engage and collaborate with government, religious, as well as civil society actors to jointly develop solutions that will be both contextualized and sustainable.

IGE President and CEO John Boyd said, “IGE is deeply grateful to the Templeton Religion Trust for supporting our efforts to advance covenantal pluralism in Asia. It is becoming clearer that promoting ‘tolerance’ is not enough. There needs to be mutual respect, engagement, and speaking out for the other’s freedom of faith, all the while fully affirming that worldviews and spiritual viewpoints may be completely at odds with each other. This is what covenantal pluralism looks like.” (For more background on covenantal pluralism, please read these remarks by IGE President Emeritus Chris Seiple.)