Benedict XVI speaks to participants at the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Attention to practical aspects, and not only spiritual ones: conversions, proselytism, reciprocity, and the formation of dialogue promoters.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The great proliferation of interreligious meetings in the world requires "discernment" and attention to the "formation of those who promote dialogue" among religions.  This is the call issued by the pope this morning to participants at the plenary assembly the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Benedict XVI expressed his appreciation for the assembly's reflection on "pastoral guidelines", and not only spiritual ones, in relations with other religions. Included in the discussions were "some of the issues of practical concern in interreligious relations: the identity of the partners in dialogue, religious education in schools, conversion, proselytism, reciprocity, religious freedom, and the role of religious leaders in society. These are important issues to which religious leaders living and working in pluralistic societies must pay close attention".

"If it is to be authentic, this dialogue must be a journey of faith", Benedict XVI suggests. In this regard, it is necessary "for its promoters to be well formed in their own beliefs and well informed about those of others".

• Vatican
• interreligious
• dialogue
• Pope
• Benedict
• XVI