News & Events

Building Bridges of Understanding: An Interfaith Dialogue for a Shared Future

February 24, 2024


On February 24, 2024, the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), in partnership with KRPC and BIRD, convened an impactful Interfaith Dialogue seminar, aptly themed "One Earth, One Family & One Future." This gathering served as a vital platform for fostering mutual respect and deepening understanding among diverse religious communities. The seminar attracted a vibrant audience, including staff and students from St. Aloysius Degree College and Sacred Heart College, demonstrating a commitment to interfaith engagement among the younger generation. Keynote addresses delivered by Fr. Lawrence C.Ss.R and Most Rev. Peter Machado set the stage for a day of insightful exchange, emphasizing the imperative of interfaith harmony in our contemporary world.

The heart of the seminar lay in the presentations from esteemed interfaith speakers representing Sikh, Islamic, Hindu, and Christian traditions. Each speaker offered unique perspectives, illuminating the shared values and ethical principles that underpin their respective faiths. These presentations were not merely academic exercises; they were heartfelt expressions of the desire to build bridges of understanding and cultivate a culture of peace.

Interactive Q&A sessions and engaging group discussions provided participants with opportunities to delve deeper into the topics presented, fostering meaningful dialogue and dispelling misconceptions. These sessions focused on practical strategies for promoting interfaith understanding and building a harmonious society, emphasizing the shared responsibility we all bear for the future of our planet.

The seminar's overarching aim was to create a space for genuine encounter, where individuals from different faith backgrounds could come together to celebrate their shared humanity. Feedback from participants underscored the seminar's resounding success in promoting a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The event served as a powerful reminder that, despite our diverse beliefs, we are all members of one global family, united in our commitment to building a more just and peaceful world. The Interfaith Dialogue at NBCLC was a testament to the power of dialogue in fostering understanding and paving the way for a brighter, more harmonious future.