Dhaka: harmony between faiths and interreligious dialogue during Cardinal Koovakad's visit

The Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue visited Bangladesh for a week to meet with religious leaders, government officials and members of the community. The President of the Supreme Court called for overcoming religious, gender and racial divisions in order to achieve a peaceful and inclusive society. The cardinal's homily focused on humility and the dangers of pride.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Promoting encounter and dialogue between different religious faiths and social harmony in Bangladesh. In this spirit, a high-level Vatican delegation, led by Cardinal George Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, arrived in Dhaka on 5 September for a week-long visit to the South Asian country.

The mission also includes Msgr. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage,a priest originally from Sri Lanka and secretary of the dicastery, as well as priests Fr. Joseph Victor Edwin, Jesuit, and Brother Marcus Solo Keota, of the Society of the Divine Word. A series of meetings with religious leaders, government officials, educators and members of various communities are scheduled for these days.

On 6 September, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) organised a reception at the archbishop's residence to welcome the delegation. Speaking at the event, Supreme Court President Syed Refaat Ahmed stressed the need to overcome religious, gender and racial divisions in order to build a peaceful and inclusive society.

‘Your religion, your gender, your race, your language or the colour of your skin: none of this should matter,’ he said. ‘We must overcome all divisions. The ideal of unity may encounter difficulties, but we must not be discouraged. We must embrace unity in diversity.’

The Chief Justice then called for more in-depth dialogue on social and political issues, urging all communities to examine the root causes of divisions and conflicts. ‘We must cultivate understanding, patience and realism,’ he continued.

‘Every religion teaches respect for others’ and the Constitution "upholds religious freedom. Through mutual dialogue and peaceful coexistence, people of all faiths in Bangladesh,‘ concluded Syed Refaat Ahmed, ’can build a society rooted in harmony."

The following day, Cardinal Koovakad celebrated Mass in the church of Tejgaon, where he delivered a powerful homily focused on humility and the dangers of pride. Addressing a packed and attentive congregation, the cardinal warned that pride leads to division and unhealthy comparisons. "It leads to comparisons between individuals, between religions. People often underestimate others, thinking, “I know more, I am wise, I am great”. Like the Pharisee in the temple who said, “I am so good, I am not like him”.

Such comparisons are the fruit of pride.‘ On the contrary, the cardinal explained that ’those who truly recognise and believe in the existence of God do not make comparisons. [...] They welcome people of other religions, beliefs, cultures and conditions. They respect and honour them. Living in harmony with others is not optional, but stems from the belief that God is great.‘

Cardinal Koovakad praised Bangladesh's legacy of peaceful coexistence, describing the country as a ’shining example of community harmony" where Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims live together peacefully.

‘Such harmony,’ he explained, ‘enhances human dignity,’ even though there have been critical moments and violent episodes of a religious nature in the country's history, including recent history.

Referring to Pope Francis' encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ the cardinal recalled that in today's globalised world, people must resist extreme nationalist and sectarian attitudes, while interreligious dialogue is not a political issue but a spiritual and human endeavour. ‘We venture,’ he explained, "into dialogue about faith in search of understanding. In this faith in search of understanding, and through it, we seek divine truth, sharing the one Creator.‘

Monsignor Bejoy D'Cruze, OMI, president of the CBCB, warmly welcomed the delegation. ’Your presence and your guidance,‘ he said, ’will greatly contribute to promoting harmony among people of different religious traditions in our country."

The Vatican delegation's itinerary includes face-to-face meetings with students and professors, interfaith leaders and visits to major places of worship in Dhaka. Today, Cardinal Koovakad is participating in a seminar on interfaith dialogue at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh, followed by a meeting with members of Catholic religious communities.

Tomorrow, 9 September, the cardinal will give a speech entitled ‘Promoting a Culture of Harmony’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, in the presence of the advisor for religious affairs, AFM Khalid Hossain, and other prominent figures.

The following day, there will be a visit to the Islamic Foundation and the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, where Monsignor Indunil will deliver a message to the Muslim community. A press conference will follow later in the day. Finally, the programme concludes on 11 September with a visit to a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple, followed by a reception at the Vatican Embassy in Dhaka, where the birthday of Pope Leo XIV, who will be celebrating his 70th birthday in the coming days, will also be commemorated and celebrated.