Dialogue partners must measure their progress in love, says Jesuit

Published: 2005-09-29

ROME (CNS) -- Interreligious dialogue is a religious activity in which those who want to know, love and follow God share their experiences of faith and ask themselves how they are progressing in love of God and neighbor, said Jesuit Father Thomas Michel. The priest, director of the Jesuit Secretariat for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome, spoke Sept. 28 at Gregorian University during a conference marking the 40th anniversary of "Nostra Aetate," the Second Vatican Council's document on interreligious dialogue. Father Michel said all religious believers try to answer the question, "Does God have something to say to us?" Muslims believe the answer is found in the Quran, while Christians believe the answer is found in Christ, he said. "So what is there left to talk about?" Father Michel asked. "There is a world of things to talk about. We have two communities who want to know, love and follow God and love our neighbors." In dialogue, all can find better ways to fulfill their religious quest, he said.

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