Pope: ‘We must be forthright in interfaith dialogue’

Inter-religious dialogue must be grounded in a “full and forthright presentation” of different faiths’
respective convictions, Pope Francis has said.
The Pope made the comments during a meeting at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference
Hall during the first day of his papal visit to South Asia. Francis was greeted at the hall by members of Sri
Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.

Pope Francis said: “As experience has shown for (inter-religious) dialogue and encounter to be effective,
it must be grounded in a full and forthright presentation of our respective convictions. Certainly, such
dialogue will accentuate how varied our beliefs, traditions and practices are. But if we are honest in
presenting our convictions, we will be able to see more clearly what we hold in common. New avenues
will be opened for mutual esteem, cooperation and indeed friendship.

“For too many years the men and women of this country have been victims of civil strife and violence.
What is needed now is healing and unity, not further conflict and division. Surely the fostering of healing
and unity is a noble task which is incumbent upon all who have at heart the good of the nation, and
indeed the whole human family.”

He added: “For the sake of peace, religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of
violence and war. We must be clear and unequivocal in challenging our communities to live fully the
tenets of peace and coexistence found in each religion, and to denounce acts of violence when they are
committed.”

As he did earlier in the day when making a speech upon his arrival at Colombo airport, Pope Francis
spoke in English.

At this afternoon’s meeting, he was welcomed by the Buddhists in attendance with a ritual chant and,
following his speech, a Hindu religious leader placed an orange cape on Francis’s shoulders.

Meanwhile, a Vatican spokesman has said the Pope is fit and well despite cancelling a lunchtime meeting
with Sri Lankan bishops. “The health of the Pope is good. He was a little tired but now has his strength
again,” he said.

Full text of the Pope Francis’s address to the Inter-religious and Ecumenical Gathering:

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this meeting which brings together, among others, the four
largest religious communities integral to the life of Sri Lanka: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
I thank you for your presence and for your warm welcome. I also thank those who have offered prayers
and blessings, and in a particular way I express my gratitude to Bishop Cletus Chandrasiri Perera and to
the Venerable Vigithasiri Niyangoda Thero for their kind words.

I have come to Sri Lanka in the footsteps of my predecessors Popes Paul VI and John Paul II to
demonstrate the great love and concern which the Catholic Church has for Sri Lanka. It is a particular
grace for me to visit the Catholic community here, to confirm them in their Christian faith, to pray with
them and to share their joys and sufferings. It is equally a grace to be with all of you, men and women of
these great religious traditions, who share with us a desire for wisdom, truth and holiness.

At the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church declared her deep and abiding respect for other
religions. She stated that she “rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She has a high
regard for their manner of life and conduct, their precepts and doctrines” (Nostra Aetate, 2). For my part, I
wish to reaffirm the Church’s sincere respect for you, your traditions and beliefs.

It is in this spirit of respect that the Catholic Church desires to cooperate with you, and with all people of
good will, in seeking the welfare of all Sri Lankans. I hope that my visit will help to encourage and deepen
the various forms of interreligious and ecumenical cooperation which have been undertaken in recent
years.

These praiseworthy initiatives have provided opportunities for dialogue, which is essential if we are to
know, understand and respect one another. But, as experience has shown, for such dialogue and
encounter to be effective, it must be grounded in a full and forthright presentation of our respective
convictions. Certainly, such dialogue will accentuate how varied our beliefs, traditions and practices are.
But if we are honest in presenting our convictions, we will be able to see more clearly what we hold in
common. New avenues will be opened for mutual esteem, cooperation and indeed friendship.

Such positive developments in interreligious and ecumenical relations take on a particular significance
and urgency in Sri Lanka. For too many years the men and women of this country have been victims of
civil strife and violence. What is needed now is healing and unity, not further conflict and division. Surely
the fostering of healing and unity is a noble task which is incumbent upon all who have at heart the good
of the nation, and indeed the whole human family. It is my hope that interreligious and ecumenical
cooperation will demonstrate that men and women do not have to forsake their identity, whether ethnic or
religious, in order to live in harmony with their brothers and sisters.

How many ways there are for the followers of the different religions to carry out this service! How many
are the needs that must be tended to with the healing balm of fraternal solidarity! I think in particular of the
material and spiritual needs of the poor, the destitute, those who yearn for a word of consolation and
hope. Here I think too of the many families who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

Above all, at this moment of your nation’s history, how many people of good will are seeking to rebuild the
moral foundations of society as a whole? May the growing spirit of co-operation between the leaders of
the various religious communities find expression in a commitment to put reconciliation among all Sri
Lankans at the heart of every effort to renew society and its institutions. For the sake of peace, religious
beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war. We must be clear and
unequivocal in challenging our communities to live fully the tenets of peace and coexistence found in
each religion, and to denounce acts of violence when they are committed.

Dear friends, I thank you once again for your generous welcome and your attention. May this fraternal
encounter confirm all of us in our efforts to live in harmony and to spread the blessings of peace.”

Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue

From the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC)
The Purpose of Interfaith Dialogue

The purpose of interfaith dialogue is to increase our understanding of and respect for other religious
systems and institutions, thereby increasing our appreciation of their values. Dialogue should enhance
our sensitivity to the feelings of all professing religious people in their relationship with God. Good
dialogue should, in addition, result in the deepening of the faith of every participant.

There is valid purpose in dialogue regarding an issue which could become desirable or even mandatory
for interfaith action as the result of the dialogue.

There is, however, valid purpose as well in dialogue which takes place for its own sake – for the
elucidation of subjects and for the forthcoming of the persons and feelings of the participants.

Interfaith dialogue is possible only when two convictions pre-exist in the participants:
1. No participant is seeking to proselytize any other participant.
2. The participants are persuaded of the inherent validity and integrity of all the faith groups involved
in the dialogue and are persuaded that no group possesses total and absolute knowledge
regarding the nature and works of God and human involvement with the Divine.

The Process of Interfaith Dialogue

Following a dialogue, it may be helpful to record areas of consensus, areas of similarity, and areas of
continuing divergence as those have emerged from the discussions. Such results may be confirmed by all
the participants. They can clarify learning and, in addition, suggest subjects for future dialogue activity.

It may also be helpful for the participants to evaluate each dialogue at its conclusion, discussing the ways
in which it did or did not work well.
Participants in dialogue should represent their faith group views, but may also share their views as
individuals. Thus the rich spectrum of conviction within any faith group can become manifest.
The process of dialogue tends to begin most fruitfully by presenting issues or topics on which there is
significant commonality: e.g., varying interpretations of one or more scripture passages. Discussion of
topics of mutual concern helps to build both knowledge and trust.
The range of subjects which can be discussed in dialogue is vast. It does not follow that every topic is
appropriate. Some subjects involve fundamental and polarized differences which automatically bring on
deeply emotional reactions without adding to understanding.

Suggested Ground Rules for Dialogue

 We are here as individuals, not as official spokespersons of our faith. Some views may well
represent the official doctrine while others may not.
 As individuals, be mindful of the use of terms “I” and “We.” “I” refers to personal beliefs and
thoughts, while “we” refers to those of a group.
 Speak when it is comfortable for you to do so; you have the right to “pass” on a question or
comment.
 Please be respectful of each participant. Anonymity and confidentiality are essential tools for
building an environment of trust that enables everyone to speak freely. Share what you have
learned from the dialogue without identifying persons by name unless they agree.
 With this in mind, use this environment to share your heart and mind. Be honest, speaking the
truth as you experience it, in love.
 Be gentle with each other’s differences. One can disagree without being disagreeable.
 Do not be afraid to ask others to clarify their comments or questions; we are all here to learn.
Often we respond before understanding.
  Among this gathering of faiths and cultures, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience to be
shared in a limited time. Be respectful of others and give everyone an equal chance to speak. If the
facilitator has to interrupt, do not take it personally.

Listen to really understand what the other person is saying. Listening without judgment does not mean
you have to agree with what is shared.

Pluralism and Interfaith Article Questions

After reading the articles above, respond to the following questions. You may also use pages 5-

Pluralism
• What is Pluralism?
• Are there some benefits of Pluralism?
• What are some of the problems/concerns with Pluralism?
• What are 4 things people can do in order to live together peacefully?

Inter-faith
• What is interfaith dialogue?
• What are some of the benefits of Inter-faith dialogue?
• What are some of the problems/concerns with Inter-faith dialogue?
• At what level should Inter-faith dialogue be held?
• Should there be limits to Inter-faith dialogue?
• Do you feel that Catholicism should take a lead in Inter-faith dialogue? Why/why not.