African Community Pharmacy | 18 January 2008

Religious Pluralism and Inter-Faith Dynamics in Ethiopian West Africa

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Abstract

Religious pluralism in Ethiopia's West Africa region is characterized by diverse religious practices coexisting alongside traditional beliefs. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews (\(n=30)\) with quantitative surveys (\(n=500)\), focusing on urban and rural areas across three major faith communities: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs. Findings indicate a significant overlap of religious practices in daily life, particularly among younger generations who exhibit more inclusive attitudes towards other religions. The study underscores the importance of interfaith dialogue in fostering mutual respect and understanding across different religious groups. Policy recommendations include promoting community-based initiatives that encourage inter-religious dialogue and educational programmes to enhance cultural sensitivity. Religion, Pluralism, Inter-faith Relations, Community Pharmacy, African Studies