From terror attacks like those in Paris in January and last week, to beheadings by militants in Syria and deadly beatings of minorities in India and elsewhere, perpetrators of terrorism and sectarian violence have tried to justify their acts in the name of religion.

Observers are concerned that some might fall prey to extreme and distorted interpretations of religion to support extreme actions, and damage social harmony.

A group of academics and researchers spent the past year looking at religious traditions and history to explore what multi-religious societies like Singapore can do to strengthen harmony among people of different faiths.

They are now reaching out to the wider public.

… This week, the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme (SRP), at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Nanyang Technological University, is organising a course on this issue for religious and community leaders and civil servants.

In January, the SRP will also host a two-day symposium where Mufti Mohamed Fatris Bakaram and Catholic Archbishop William Goh, among others, will speak on expanding the common space.

Mr Mohammad Alami Musa, who heads the SRP, told The Straits Times that these events will highlight how religious communities have historically developed their teachings in diverse societies.