By Father Moses Ariyo, M Afr, Diocesan Interfaith Adviser

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In 1990, Hans Küng launched the slogan that “there can be no peace in the world without peace among the religions,”.

 

This calls upon all religions to work together for a peaceful world. It is possible through inter-religious dialogue and ecumenism. That is why the Second Vatican Council, emphasizes the function of inter-religious dialogue as promoting greater understanding between Christians and representatives of other religions. This interreligious dialogue enables participants to correctly identify areas of genuine religious disagreement, as well as identify misconceptions regarding the beliefs and practices of different religions. Daring dialogue opens closed doors as witnessed by one of the participants in last month’s interreligious dialogue meeting:

 

“On a very special meeting, I was delighted to be invited to take part in a gathering for Inter-Religious dialogue organised by the Missionaries of Africa under the Archdiocese of Liverpool. I didn’t quite know what to expect but soon felt quite at home with this group of people from a variety of different backgrounds who had come together for a common purpose. We joined together in prayer, and this, I felt was a powerful tool for setting the tone to create a sense of belonging and shared purpose. I loved listening to the stories of those I had the opportunity to chat with. It was great to listen and learn from one another to hear about the efforts people of different faiths are making to “build bridges” with each other in day-to-day life. I was fascinated to meet our Muslim friends and to hear about the work they are doing to address social issues as we do in our parish reaching out and addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

 

It struck me that our world is marked by religious diversity and the potential for conflict - and how important it is for this type of dialogue to play a vital role in promoting peace, tolerance and understanding between people of different faiths - and non-believers. It was evident that each of the participants at the meeting has a strong faith and religious identity. We see this as a richness which can help each of us to greater understanding for the glory of God and for the benefit of our neighbours”.

 

“In a world marked by divisions and tensions, we must work together as believers and people of goodwill, to promote mutual respect and peaceful co-existence” (Pope Benedict, Assisi, Oct 27th 2011).

 

Our participation in the month of Ramadhan has been a practical way of bridging gaps. Honouring the breaking of the fast (iftar) has been a time of encounter and dialogue. One Christian confessed that it was her first time to go to a mosque and one Iman confessed that it was his first time to visit a Christian building (Church). These two dared to break the barriers through the willingness to meet the other through friendship.

 

The Missionaries of Africa are celebrating the bicentenary (200 years) of the birth of their founder Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. Following his example, his sons and daughters have embraced interreligious dialogue and encounter as a Charism.

 

Fr. Moses