First U.S. Catholic-Sikh dialogue held

Published: 2006-06-26

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The first national Catholic-Sikh religious dialogue took place in New York May 20. Representatives of the World Sikh Council-America Region and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops discussed shared concerns such as secularism in America and problems facing immigrants during the landmark daylong meeting at the Church Center at the United Nations. Religions for Peace-USA hosted the meeting. Sikhism, or Sikhi, was founded in northern India about 1500 by the guru Nanak. A monotheistic religion that rejects idolatry and the Indian caste system, it has 25 million adherents -- mostly in Asia, but including about 600,000 in North America. In opening remarks Manohar Singh, the chairman of the Sikh council and leader of the Sikh delegation, said: "The universal message of Sikhi respects pluralism and we welcome our Catholic friends with open arms. This dialogue is an opportunity for our communities to begin a conversation at the highest level on how we may be able to work with each other in trust and friendship to make this world a more peaceful and just place for all."

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