Interreligious Encounter in Karnataka Highlights Commitment to Dialogue and Fraternity

Karnataka, July 29, 2025: In a meaningful effort to strengthen interfaith understanding and fraternity, a three-day interreligious initiative was launched across Karnataka beginning 27 July. The journey, aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse faith traditions, included visits to various sacred sites and meetings with religious leaders. The initiative was led by Fr. Vinay Kumar, Karnataka Regional Secretary for Interreligious Dialogue, who was accompanied by a core group of members.

Meetings with Religious Heads

Fr. Vinay engaged in sincere and insightful conversations with leaders of multiple faith communities. During these interactions, he highlighted the inclusive nature of the Catholic Church and its willingness to engage in dialogue with other religious traditions in Karnataka. Emphasising the urgency of interreligious collaboration in today's world, he remarked that being religious in the present context means being interreligious—committed to mutual understanding and respect.

The key highlights of the meet reflected the vision of the Interreligious Dialogue Commission:

• Bishop's Vision: Bishop Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore and Chairman of the Interreligious Dialogue Commission, has provided strong leadership in promoting dialogue as a means to peace and reconciliation.
• Redemptoris Missio: Fr. Vinay Kumar cited Redemptoris Missio No. 28, affirming that the action of the Holy Spirit extends beyond individuals and encompasses the entire human family.
• Interreligious Imperative: He reiterated the essential role of interfaith dialogue in today’s religious practice, where unity and understanding are more crucial than ever.

Visits to Sacred Sites

The journey included visits to sacred spaces of various faiths. The team visited Ramakrishna Matt, known for its deep roots in Hindu spirituality and Vedantic philosophy; Basava Samithi, which reflects the values of Lingayatism; Buddha Vihara, a place that promotes peace and wisdom in the Buddhist tradition; a Gurudwara, embodying the Sikh spirit of service and community; and several mosques, offering a glimpse into Islamic devotion and unity.

Animated Visits

The visits were animated by Mrs. Margaret Rebello, who played a vital role in guiding reflections and facilitating meaningful exchanges with religious communities.

This interreligious encounter stands as a strong reminder of the power of dialogue in building bridges between communities. Through sustained engagement with various religious traditions, this initiative reinforced the Church’s dedication to harmony, peace, and collaboration in Karnataka.

By Sujay Kanikraj

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