THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS EXTENSION WORKERS IN FOSTERING RELIGIOUS MODERATION ATTITUDES IN THE PEOPLE OF CIAWIGEBANG DISTRICT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out empirically how the duties of religious extension workers in conveying religious moderation attitudes, what are the strategies and obstacles of the efforts made by religious extension workers at KUA Ciawigebang in conveying religious moderation. The method used in the research is a type of qualitative research, through interviews, observations, and documentation. The result of this study is that religious extension workers are the spearhead of the government in accompanying and guiding the community related to religious affairs. In addition to serving the community in terms of marriage and religious guidance, religious counselors also play an important role in providing education about various government programs, one of which is related to religious moderation. In KUA Ciawigebang District, counseling activities related to religious moderation are not carried out specifically, but are delivered implicitly through various kinds of routine activities, such as through taklim council activities, marriage guidance, sakinah family guidance, and people's economic programs. However, in its implementation, religious extension workers face obstacles, namely differences in people's perspectives in understanding religious teachings, including differences in interpretations of the concept of religious moderation itself.