Hindus Praise Pope's Espousal Of Interfaith Dialogue

May 13, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Indian Catholic

http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12104-1-1-Hindus-praise-Pope%E2%80%99s-espousal-of-interfaith-dialogue

Welcoming Pope Benedict’s reported affirmation of the importance of interreligious dialogue in the pursuit of peace in Jerusalem yesterday, Hindus have urged him to take the lead in organizing one.

Serious and honest interfaith dialogue was the need of the hour, Hindu leader Rajan Zed pointed out in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, and added that Pope Benedict, being the leader of the largest religious organization of the world, should invite leaders of major world religions and denominations to Vatican and initiate the dialogue.

Pope reportedly said during Jerusalem visit that "the particular contribution of religions to the quest for peace lies primarily in the wholehearted, united search for God."

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that religion was the most powerful, complex and far-reaching force in our society, so we must take it seriously. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience.

Rajan Zed further said that after intensive deliberations, this proposed meeting of world religious leaders should come up with a concrete plan about the common religious concerns like human improvement, peace, ecological responsibility, social & economic development, etc. Maybe this gathering could become an annual feature after that, he added.