Interreligious Dialogue from the Perspective of the Catholic Church By Dr.Francis Chan

               Dialogue, and specifically interreligious dialogue, became central in the thinking of the Catholic Church only in the 20th century. Unsurprisingly, the second half of that century was marked by decolonization, and Christianity (which still largely comprised the Western World at that time) found itself having to relate with other religions on equal terms.

               Here, I will describe the perspective of the Catholic Church on interreligious dialogue as stipulated in a 1984 document known as “Dialogue and Mission.” Although there have been many Church documents suggesting the importance of and need for interreligious dialogue since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), “Dialogue and Mission” was the first document to clearly spell out the four forms of dialogue that have become the reference point on interreligious dialogue for the Catholic Church.

               “Dialogue of Specialists” occurs among religious professionals (priests, monks, nuns, etc.) and religious experts with the aim of coming to an understanding and appreciation of each other’s spiritual values and cultural categories. This kind of dialogue mostly occurs at the higher echelons – those who have the authority to represent their respective religions and who have been schooled to articulate religious concepts and teachings in philosophical and theological terms.

               “Dialogue of Deeds” entails people of different religions working together for humanitarian causes and to confront global issues. Participants of this kind of dialogue are usually those who work in the context of international organizations. While they are often not religious professionals, many are specialists in the social, economic or political arenas. What they bring with them is their own religious conviction and motivation in their collaborative practical work.

               In “Dialogue of Religious Experience,” people of different religions share their respective expressions and ways of searching for God, or the Absolute, including their experience of prayer, contemplation and faith. This kind of dialogue often involves religious professionals and those who have devoted their lives to searching for the Absolute.

               Finally, “Dialogue of Life” refers to an attitude and conduct in everyday interactions, which implies concern, respect and hospitality towards the other and leaving room for the other’s identity, values and modes of expression. The “dialogue of life” is the most basic form of dialogue and establishes the basis for all interreligious dialogue. It is this form of dialogue that demands participation from every single person regardless of occupation and state in life.

               This schema of the four forms of interreligious dialogue expands our understanding of dialogue as not just a conservation or even an exchange of ideas and opinions, as is commonly understood, but as living life itself in the context of a plural society.