Many people love those beautiful patchwork quilts made up of many different pieces of cloth which make such a pretty picture. This is only possible, however, if we do not accept the claim to truth made by each of the religions and thus in the end do not take these religions seriously themselves. If we want to improve the way the various religious communities coexist in Germany, it is essential for many Christians and people of other faiths to first gain more knowledge about their own beliefs, which they can then contribute to a dialogue. Apart from the conviction that our own religion is true, we need to be willing to affirm the right to exist of other religions if we are to conduct a meaningful dialogue. This kind of tolerance is in sharp contrast to the claim made by some that theirs is only true religion or that they are the majority that can determine the terms of co-existence.
Tolerance is the basis for dialogue and co-existence in everyday life, too.
This can lead to an enrichment of one's own religious life. A lot depends on what is meant by mission. In most major religions one will come across efforts to make the faith attractive to others by the example of one's own life and by communicating one's beliefs. Although most people do not use the term mission, winning others over and convincing them are part of the programme. There can be no common future for humankind without tolerance and respect, whether in Germany or in the trouble spots of the world.