ABSTRACT
The global challenge of living together peacefully and constructively in the context of deep religious/worldview differences will not be met through bumper-sticker slogans about “tolerance.” The chapter provides an introductory overview of a richer approach called covenantal pluralism, which has been developed over the last few years at the Templeton Religion Trust. The philosophy of covenantal pluralism is a robust, relational, and non-relativistic paradigm of citizenship that emphasizes both legal equality and neighborly solidarity. It calls both for a constitutional order characterized by equal rights and responsibilities and a culture of engagement characterized by relationships of mutual respect and protection. The chapter includes a brief historical illustration of covenantal pluralist values in practice, examining the case of Roger Williams (c. 1603–1683), who founded Rhode Island on principles of freedom of conscience and cross-cultural respect.
