Britain is one of the most religiously and culturally diverse nations in the world. The diversity has both enriched the British landscape and caused grave conflict. Engaging in the process of learning how to construct and live in a society made up of people of many different faiths has become crucial, and a process from which no one is excused. As described in the preface of Friends & Strangers, “Our common good depends on it.”
Two very important convictions lie behind Friends & Strangers. The first is that the belief in God across all of the great religious traditions is a force for good in society today. The second is that the Catholic faith instructs and guides its followers to learn about and cooperate with people of other faiths.
Although the document is born out of the Catholic faith, and addresses a lot of Catholic examples, the teachings in this document are universal and can be understood and applied by people of various faiths and by people who do not claim a religious allegiance alike.
The first chapter of Friends & Strangers asks, “What is Interreligious Dialogue?” While the term “dialogue” usually means a conversation with words, the Catholic Church’s teachings on interfaith dialogue go much further than that. In 1984, the Holy See’s Dicastery for dialogue with other religions describes it in this way:
“[Dialogue]…means not only discussion, but also includes all positive and constructive interreligious relations with individuals and communities of other faiths which are directed at mutual understanding ad enrichment.”
The chapter then goes on to describe the challenge we experience when faced with difference. Interfaith dialogue can help us discover to what extent our teachings and values overlap, and where our differences lie. We should not be suspicious of fearful of these differences, because they often lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, and of our own faith. The chapter recommends that when engaging in interfaith dialogue, we must combine genuine love, respect, and openness. The Catholic Church recognizes and celebrates the presence of what is true and holy in other religions. However, the document warns that we should approach interfaith dialogue with caution, and be sure not to undermine or make assumptions about other faiths.
Other chapters in the document deal with Britain’s changing religious and cultural landscape, dialogue in the teachings of the Catholic Church, prayer and worship, interreligious marriage, and interfaith dialogue at the local level. The document ends with concluding reflections and includes an appendix of example of dialogue from the Catholic Church Dioceses, an appendix of individual chaplaincies, and a relevant book list.
Catholics and non-Catholics alike have a lot of gain from reading this document. For Catholics, it will give you a better understanding of how your faith fits into the world of interfaith relations. And for non-Catholics, it offers a candid insider look into interfaith beliefs in the Catholic faith. I personally would like to commend the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for producing this document and showing the world that you are a faith community that is committed to fostering interfaith dialogue in the quest for peace, love, and reconciliation.
The full document is available for download via the Catholic Church of England and Wales website.
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