Bishops’ committee to host webinar on interfaith document

October 28 marks the 60th anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate and the webinar, which will be via Zoom, will run from 7-8pm on that date. Members of the committee, chaired by Colin MacLeod, include Bishop Michael Dooley, Maya Bernardo, Adele Churchman, Teresa Fernandez, Beate Matthies, and Nick Wilson.

The webinar will be an opportunity to reflect on the place of Nostra Aetate today, and to hear about ways that interreligious dialogue is alive and constructive in this country. Presenters will provide context and examples for elements of the Promoting Interfaith Relations in Aotearoa New Zealand booklet in support of living out the spirit of Nostra Aetate. The webinar will conclude with a question-and-answer session before Bishop Dooley closes the gathering.

Mr Macleod said Nostra Aetate, arising from the global climate of 1965, still reeling from World War II and the atrocities of the holocaust in particular, boldly and succinctly recognised the importance of the Church building closer relationships with those who are not Christian.

“Above all, Nostra Aetate considers what humanity has ‘in common and what draws them to fellowship’,” Mr Macleod said.

“While the previous six decades of interreligious dialogue have produced much fruit, there can be little doubt that Nostra Aetate’s promotion of unity and love among individuals and nations ‘through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions’ is needed as much today as ever,” he said.

In a contemporary world still struggling to live in peace and unity, the October 28 webinar will aim to remind those who join it of the hope that exists within the followers of various faiths.

That is a hope that resonates in the prayer of Pope Leo XIV in his prayer intention for October. “May religions not be used as weapons or walls, but rather lived as bridges and prophecy: making the dream of the common good credible, accompanying life, sustaining hope and being the yeast of unity in a fragmented world. Amen,” the Pope said.

FULL STORY

Zoom webinar link

Pope’s October prayer intention: ‘Collaboration among religions’ (Vatican News)