As pluralism grows, so must church promotion of dialogue, pope says

Published: 2004-05-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As the populations of many communities become more marked by religious and cultural pluralism, the Catholic Church must step up its efforts to promote dialogue, Pope John Paul II said. Dialogue is a religious as well as a social obligation, he told members of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue May 15 during a meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the council. "Interreligious dialogue is important for establishing a sure basis for peace and ensures that the name of God becomes increasingly what it is: a name of peace and a summons to peace," the pope told council members. He said Christians have an obligation to show their love for every human being and to promote reconciliation in the world.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .