Christianity and Eastern religions in Europe: a workshop of fraternity
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue brought together Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Christian religious leaders from Europe, at the Angelicum for a conference on dialogue and collaboration. For Cardinal Koovakad, fraternity among religions is not a utopia. The more they meet, “while respecting one another’s traditions and beliefs,” the more they “contribute together for the good of all in society”.
Rome (AsiaNews) – A conference was held yesterday and today in Rome, at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican university also known as the Angelicum, centred on “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration.”
The initiative, promoted by the Dicastery for Interreligious dialogue, brought together religious leaders, academics and representatives of Christian and dharmic traditions with the aim of boosting human fraternity through dialogue between different faith communities.
During the meeting, participants reflected on the challenges that characterise contemporary societies, marked by conflicts, social divisions and growing cultural tensions.
Dialogue and collaboration between different communities were singled out as essential tools to promote mutual understanding, solidarity and hope.
Participants further noted that fraternity forms the foundation for building peaceful and cohesive societies.
According to the final press release of the conference, believers are called not only to bear witness to their own spiritual and moral values, but also to contribute concretely to the promotion of peace, social harmony and wellbeing for all.
One of the highlights was the focus on mutual respect, cooperation and shared commitment, while remaining faithful to one’s religious traditions.
One of the most significant statements came from Card George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, who rejected the idea that fraternity is a simple unattainable ideal.
"The concept of fraternity is often considered a utopian idea," the prelate said, noting how wars, violence, discrimination and social divisions put this ideal to the test at present. Yet, it remains a concrete and lived reality, able to endure even in a world marred by hatred and conflict.
The cardinal mentioned the spirit of the prayer meeting for peace convened by John Paul II in October 1986 in Assisi, citing the upcoming 40th anniversary of that event, together with the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis.
For Card Koovakad, the Spirit of Assisi continues to inspire dialogue between religions today, finding a new expression in Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti.
The cardinal also noted that Pope Leo XIV's appeal to build bridges through dialogue and collaboration, shows how fraternity is "a lived reality, stronger than conflicts, differences and tensions", able to turn cultural and religious diversity into opportunities for mutual enrichment.
Turning to today’s Europe, the prelate described it as “a rich melting pot” of peoples, languages and religious traditions, shaped by migration, globalisation and demographic shifts.
This diversity, he explained, must be valued to build inclusive and harmonious societies, founded on respect for human dignity, fundamental rights and religious freedom.
The cardinal urged Europeans and newcomers to work together for the common good, in the belief that cultural, religious and social diversity is “a human richness and not a threat”.
“The more we meet and exchange views while respecting one another’s traditions and beliefs, the more we grow in fraternity and strengthen our commitment to work and contribute together for the good of all in society,” he said.
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