Asian Church Leaders Urged to Commit Themselves to Inter–religious Dialogue

Bali, Indonesia – Pope John Paul II has urged the church leaders and communicators to "Deepen their commitment to the challenges of inter–religious dialogue."

Encouraging the bishops and communicators gathered for a conference on "Inter–religious Dialogue As Communication", organised by the FABC Office for Social Communications in Bali, Indonesia, the Pope, in his message, insisted that the church personnel should "spread the light of the Gospel in a spirit of harmony and complimentarily" in the multi–religious context of Asia.

The Holy Father's message was presented by the Apostolic Nuncio in Indonesia, Archbishop Malcom Ranjit.

Addressing the participants, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter–religious Dialogue, Archbishop Fitzgerald emphasised that dialogue is a communication of attitude towards people. It is an occasion of Grace for theological spiritual growth.

Declaring that the inter–religious dialogue is a "Door–way to God", executive secretary of the FABC Office for Inter–religious Dialogue said, "Certain obstacles are keeping us away from entering the door. They are – indifference and complacency, reluctance to move onto the broader society, and the emergence of militancy in some faiths."

Bishop of Vasai, Bishop Thomas Dabre declared, "It is impossible to practice ones faith without being inter–religious in the multi–religious context of India. We need to connect to the under–lying common reality – the common search for the transcendent."

Suggesting ways to foster inter–religious dialogue Bishop Dabre said, "Followers of all religions should participate in each others religious festivals and launch common programmes for the development of poor people."

The conference was attended by over thirty bishops and over forty communicators from different parts of Asia. The Indian delegation includes Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra, Bishop Thomas Dabre of Vasai, Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of Jhabua and executive secretary of the CBCI Commission for Social Communications, Father Henry D'Souza.