"Recasting interreligious dialogue as a practice of humility and hope offers a way of building greater trust."

Participants at the "Critical Moment in Interreligious Dialogue" conference concluded after meeting for two days in Geneva, Switzerland.

"Together may we seize this critical moment and help transform its perils into a pilgrimage of faith that will guide us to a more just, compassionate and peaceful future," the 130 attendees from across ten world religions agreed.

The Critical Moment conference was initiated and sponsored by the World Council of Churches – the world’s largest ecumenical body that originally began to build inter-denominational relationships across borders.

Following the recent Geneva gathering, however, the WCC General Secretary noted that interreligious dialogue has now become "a core issue for the WCC."

"We can only be effective and successful in our search for hope if we work together," General Secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia said to the WCC. "Together, we can go far towards restoring hope for another possible and better world in which all people may experience abundant life in dignity."

Another leader at the WCC, the Rev. Dr Hans Ucko, said the event was unique in its realistic approach to interfaith relations.

"This event was unique because it sought to assess dialogue, and looked at ways of fostering relations which are more realistic and less idealistic," said Ucko, organiser of the conference and specialist on interfaith issues. "We confirmed the commitment of those involved, and this adds impetus to our own Christian engagement in dialogue."

Theresa Kavenga
Christian Today Correspondent