Dicastery inaugurates working group on the spirituality of interreligious dialogue

by DID Staff

19 September 2023

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue convened a working group composed of scholars and practioners of interreligious dialogue and Christian spirituality to assist in the task of producing principles and guidelines, particularly for Catholics, about the spiritual dimension of interreligious dialogue.

In his welcome address, Miguel Ángel Cardinal Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ, Prefect of the Dicastery, thanked the participants for their presence, saying, “The spirituality of interreligious dialogue is, no doubt, the basis upon which all reflections and actions regarding dialogue with followers of other religions is built. It is, first of all, about the ‘why’ of interreligious dialogue.”

Msgr. Indunil Kodithwakuu K., Secretary of the Dicastery, shared some points about the context of the spirituality of interreligious dialogue today, including the widespread thirst for spiritual growth, the growing detachment from religious traditions, secularization, social fragmentation, new religious movements, which often combine several religious traditions, and challenges of new technologies.

Each participant shared reflections about his/her approach to the spirituality of interreligious dialogue. Some of the themes included: the interplay between stability in the Christian religious/spiritual identity and openness to the spiritual insights of the religious other; awareness of God as mysteriously working diversely in different persons and religious traditions; the need to foster a spirituality of dialogue that takes account of ordinary daily living; the risky nature of interreligious dialogue on a spiritual level, especially for those who proceed without guidance; and the priority that must be given to humility and hospitality when dialoguing with the religious other.

The working group will continue to meet and share ideas about the best way to offer guidance to Catholics concerning spiritual engagement with the followers of other religions.