People from different faiths donate their blood for saving lives, thereby contributing to peace. Symbolically, this practice aims to convey the idea that blood can flow for positive purposes as well and not just because of conflicts. This action can happen on a set date, in any place that allows for a successful implementation. It is above all designed for organizations that attempt to bridge religious differences and strengthen interreligious dialogue through bringing together people in an intimate event.

People from different faiths donate their blood for saving lives, thereby contributing to peace. Symbolically, this practice aims to convey the idea that blood can flow for positive purposes as well and not just because of conflicts. This action can happen on a set date, in any place that allows for a successful implementation. It is above all designed for organizations that attempt to bridge religious differences and strengthen interreligious dialogue through bringing together people in an intimate event.

Activity: Structure and Needs

This activity requires partnership with a medical institution or trained staff to assure a safe and legal experience to the participants. A room can be provided by the organization wishing to implement this practice or in collaboration with other partners. This room may be in a university, a place of worship, a medical center or be provided by the city administration. Through the action, partnerships could be established that will help in reaching a new target group and increase the scope of any future action. Moreover, it is advised to communicate on the occurrence of the event beforehand, e.g. through an advertising campaign in relevant communities, on social media or print media, depending on the target group. Also afterwards, communicating a successful outcome of the event and emphasizing the peacebuilding process of the respective activity might increase the further scope of partnerships and therefore activities.

Objectives: Impact and Focus

This practice of interfaith blood donation drives strengthens collaboration and mutual support within and between religious communities. It counteracts the perception of religion as a source of conflicts and wars, but rather of of mutual help and care. It functions as a communication tool that makes the population aware of interfaith issues as well and offers a space to engage in dialogue. This could serve as a starting point from which people engage in a process of further dialogue and meetings.

Any human being able to give his blood is allowed to participate in this initiative. The target group is especially people from different faiths, to foster interreligious dialogue while the blood donation takes place. Furthermore, the initiative is both interfaith and social: the final beneficiary of this initiative are hospitalized people who are in need of blood.

Field Data: Examples and Sources (Activity – Organisation – Location)

1.) Interfaith Blood Donation – Coexister and French Blood Establishment – Paris, France

The youth organisation Coexister organizes this practice once a year. Before the implementation, they launch an advertising campaign about the prospective interfaith blood donation. Affiliated local groups together with volunteers then implement these interfaith blood donation drive on a set date, in partnership with the French Blood Establishment (EFS).