Respect for and Learning from All Faiths

The objectives of Parish Inter-Religious Ministry are as follows:

• Promote mutual understand, respect and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions
• Encourage the study of religious
• Promote Inter-religious dialogue formation
• Enhance, defend and share our faith
• Organize and coordinate inter-religious programs

“Vatican II has changed the way the Catholic Church viewed other religions. Since then, inter-religious dialogue is now viewed as an integral part of the Church’s mission. In the local context, inter-religious dialogue and Ecumenism has been identified as one of the key priorities of the Church in Peninsular Malaysia since the Aggiornamento 1976. The importance of this ministry has been confirmed in the subsequent 3 Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Conventions and continues to be a pressing need in our pluralistic Malaysian society.

The Archdiocesan ministry was initiated by our Grace Archbishop Ermeritus Soter Fernandez who saw the need for promoting inter-religious and ecumenical understanding, peace and harmony in a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country like Malaysia.

People of all religions know far too little about one another; above all, they know far too little about what all religious and ethnical traditions have in common. Our ministry hopes to contribute towards changing that. It aims to provide an orientation and to challenge you to think again about the importance of the great religions for humankind in order to foster mutual respect.

One God Supreme, Different Approaches

“We are all creatures of God. Hence, we belong to one community and share one common destiny – God - His providence, evident goodness and saving designs.” 
Relations with Non-Christian Religion (Vatican II, Nostra Eetate, 28.10.65)

 Ever since the dawn of civilization, people have looked into their respective religions for answers to the unsolved riddles and mysteries of human existence. Until today, there is still found among different peoples, a certain awareness of a hidden power, which lies behind the course of Nature and the events of human life. At the same time, they also recognize the existence of a supreme being.

The awareness and recognition results in a way of life that is imbued with a deep religious sense. In many civilizations, religions endeavour to answer some of these questions to calm the hearts of peoples by outlining a program of life-covering doctrines, moral precepts and sacred rites.

Our Church reject nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all humankind.

Let us continue to follow and carry out the mandated mission of our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations by sharing the Word and our Banquet through inter-religious dialogue with those at the crossroads. It is the fervent desire that through inter-religious dialogue and ecumenical programs we shall strive to promote and attain peace, harmony, mutual understanding and respect among the people of Malaysia as well as to foster unity among all our Christian brothers and sisters.

We have a mammoth task ahead of us. With the help of our Almighty God and undaunted faith, we can together help overcome whatever obstacles before us in the realization of our ultimate goal.

Towards World Peace, Understanding & Goodwill

No religion in the world advocates violence, injustice, killing or any discriminatory act against people, nor would it teach them to cause harm or commit acts of indignity to the human race such as ethnic cleansing, slavery and prostitution on the basis of their political leaning, race, colour or religion. These acts of violence have been reported to be escalating in recent years despite the clarion call of the masses for peaceful co-existence, social justice and equal employment opportunities.

Humankind apparently has lost its direction and can no longer control the horror and terror taking place before their eyes, Can religions provide an effective solution to the mammoth problems affecting and undermining the future well-being of the global community and the security of the society at large?

In consonance with our Ministry’s objectives, we are encouraged to enter with prudence and charity into discussion and collaboration with one another to foster higher regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines of all religions , which although different in teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of the Truth that enlightens the people of the world. It is through such mutual understanding, regard and dialogue that we can respectively acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found in other traditions with a view of fostering tolerance, goodwill and charity so that world peace might eventually prevail.

People all over are greatly disillusioned and feel short-changed by the very people to whom they have entrusted their lives and well-being. They are calling for immediate action and response to the following questions:

• What is happening to the world?
• Have religions of the world failed the people?
• What are the causes of these widespread acts of violence and savagery?
• Can religions of the world provide a solution to the present predicament?
• How can we work together towards a common objective of peace, goodwill and understanding?

 Programs & Activities

Our Ministry aims to provide programs and activities in line with our objectives and we encourage you to participate actively. This will help you to explore the fascinating world of religions so you may have a better grasp of the importance of their ethical messages for our present-day society. More importantly, your participation will work towards building the Kingdom of Justice and Peace for our good Lord, Jesus Christ.

• Understanding World Religions Program
• Organizing Inter-Religious Talks and Seminars
• Organizing Church Unity Promotion Programs
• Working with MCCBCHS for Inter-Religious Harmony
• Sharing of the Catholic/Christian Faith
• Promoting Inter-Religious Dialoguing Knowledge & Skills
• Attending and Conducting Inter-religious Talks
• Organizing multi-religious prayer services
• Cooperating with other religious bodies for integral human development
• Formation of BECs and other ministry members in inter-religious dialogue