An Intercultural Proposal for the Strengthening of Social Interactions Through Religious Education

Publication information:

Rimachi, Erika Márjory Huamaní, and Joseph Hernán Peña Echevarría. 2026. “An Intercultural Proposal for the Strengthening of Social Interactions Through Religious Education.” in Belonging: Practices of Inclusion in Spiritual Communities, the Academy, and Society. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Harvard Divinity School: Program for the Evolution of Spirituality.

Abstract

In Peru, there is notable cultural and religious diversity present in everyday life; however, it is often overlooked due to the adoption of standards that privilege certain practices while excluding others, thereby generating unconscious forms of segregation. This issue can be addressed within the educational sphere, where the foundations of civic behavior are shaped. This study proposes a methodological strategy to revalue “the other” through the development of competencies in religious education within the Seventh-day Adventist educational context. To this end, a comprehensive synthesis was conducted, ranging from curricular foundations to their methodological application, including: an analysis of Adventist religious education, a review of principles of religious interculturality and their contribution to holistic formation, and the formulation of a methodological proposal. The study ultimately advocates a clear distinction between doctrinal and formative dimensions, thereby fostering coexistence in religiously diverse contexts.

Presenter Biographies

Erika Márjory Huamaní Rimachi holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Psychologist from the National University of San Marcos (Peru) and a is theologian from the Italian Adventist University. She has completed research stays at the Universities of Cologne and Giessen in peace and conflict studies. Currently a PhD candidate in Theology at the Pontifical Bolivarian University (Colombia), she has presented research in theology, philosophy and religious education since 2020.

Joseph Hernán Peña Echevarría is a PhD candidate in Sciences and Environmental Engineering at UNALM (since 2024) with 10+ years bridging applied research and social engagement. He integrates philosophy, theology, education, and social justice with RDI in materials and technology, leading a project in chitosan-based MIP for biosphere protection, and MOS to support small-scale coffee farmers