A Catholic Guide to Interreligious Dialogue
Meeting God in Friend and Stranger – CBCEW
Other Religion Assemblies
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What does the Catholic Church believe about other world faiths?
The Catholic Church holds a belief in the inherent dignity of every human person and recognises the presence of truth and goodness in other world faiths. The Church’s teachings on interreligious dialogue and relations with other religions are summarised in the document “Nostra Aetate” (In Our Time), which was promulgated by the Second Vatican Council in 1965. Here are some key points regarding the Catholic Church’s beliefs about other world faiths:
- Respect for Religious Freedom: The Catholic Church upholds the right to religious freedom, recognising that every person has the freedom to seek, embrace, and practice their own religious beliefs. This includes a respect for the beliefs, traditions, and practices of followers of other religions.
- Common Human Dignity: The Church acknowledges the inherent dignity of every human person, regardless of their religious affiliation. It recognises that people of other faiths are capable of seeking and living according to moral truth and can contribute to the common good.
- Truth and Goodness in Other Religions: While Catholicism holds that it possesses the fullness of truth, the Church acknowledges that elements of truth and goodness can be found in other religious traditions. It recognises that these elements can lead people to a deeper understanding of God and a moral life.
- Interreligious Dialogue: The Catholic Church actively promotes interreligious dialogue as a means of fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration with followers of other religions. The goal is to build relationships, engage in respectful dialogue, and seek areas of common ground while acknowledging theological differences.
- Evangelisation and Proclamation: While recognising the value and truth in other religions, the Catholic Church maintains its mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. Catholics are encouraged to share their faith, but in a spirit of respect, dialogue, and without coercion or disrespect for the religious freedom of others.
- Ecumenical Relations: The Catholic Church also engages in dialogue and collaboration with other Christian denominations, seeking to promote unity among Christians and work together on common issues, such as social justice, peace, and the defence of human dignity.
It’s important for Catholic schools to remember that while the Catholic Church recognises the positive aspects of other religions, it also teaches that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and the Church he founded. The Church believes that the fullness of divine revelation is found in Jesus and that the Catholic Church is the instrument of salvation established by Christ. However, the Church’s teachings emphasize respect, dialogue, and collaboration with followers of other religions while holding to its own beliefs and mission.