Reverend Richard Airo, a Catholic priest from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, has made significant strides in fostering interfaith dialogue by earning a PhD in Christian and Islamic Studies. Currently serving as the director of Interreligious Dialogue and the priest in charge of St. Joseph Tudor Parish, Airo’s achievement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for unity and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims.
Graduating with his doctorate on Thursday, Airo shared his vision of a world where understanding and cooperation replace division and stereotyping. His comprehensive studies covered Christian theology of other religions, Islamic history and civilisations, Islamic sharia law, and the Arabic language. Through his research, he delved deeply into the history of Christian and Muslim relations, gaining profound insights into both faiths.
Building Bridges Through Knowledge
Airo’s passion for interfaith dialogue stems from his belief that understanding the core teachings of Islam and Christianity can dismantle stereotypes and promote coexistence. His PhD thesis, titled Interreligious Dialogue and Social Cohesion: The Pastoral Approach of the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Mombasa (1983–2023), highlights Mombasa as a beacon of interfaith harmony in Kenya.
“Mombasa is a model for interreligious dialogue and social cohesion,” Airo noted, attributing this success to the city’s rich religious diversity. He emphasized the concept of the “dialogue of life,” where people of different faiths collaborate and coexist peacefully in their daily lives.
Through his role with the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics, Airo actively works to counter stereotypes, suspicion, and hatred, teaching the importance of unity and harmony. He pointed out that both Islam and Christianity are Abrahamic religions with shared origins in Abraham, underscoring their fundamental similarities.
“Islam and Christianity teach the same principles,” he said. “We need to sit down, dialogue, and identify what separates us. By focusing on what unites us, we can achieve true harmony.”
A Legacy of Social Cohesion
The past four decades of Airo’s ministry in Mombasa have been dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding. He credits the city’s inclusive environment for shaping his perspective and broadening his understanding of Islam. “Studying these courses opened my scope of understanding much more about Islam, and I grew to love the religion,” Airo shared, expressing his admiration for its teachings and culture.
Airo’s efforts come at a crucial time when polarisation and religious intolerance are on the rise globally. He believes that education and dialogue are the keys to breaking down barriers and fostering peaceful coexistence. “Stereotypes create conflicts,” Airo said. “By learning about each other, we can replace suspicion with respect.”
His work has inspired conversations about unity, respect, and finding common ground among diverse communities. He hopes that Mombasa’s example can serve as a blueprint for interfaith harmony not only in Kenya but also across the region.
The Path Forward
As director of Interreligious Dialogue, Airo plans to continue his mission of promoting understanding between Christians and Muslims. He envisions a future where religious leaders and communities collaborate to address shared challenges and build stronger societies.
Reverend Airo’s achievement serves as a reminder of the power of education and dialogue in bridging divides. In an increasingly polarised world, his journey is a testament to the transformative potential of mutual understanding and respect.
By fostering conversations and breaking stereotypes, Airo is paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future, one dialogue at a time.
