Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Made public today a Message signed by the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, addressed to Hindus on the occasion of Diwali Festival 2007, on the theme: "Christians and Hindus: Determined to Walk the Path of Dialogue". Diwali Festival, celebrated by all Hindus, is also known as Deepavali or "line of oil lamps". Symbolically based on ancient mythology, it represents the triumph of truth over falsehood, light over darkness, life over death, good over evil. Celebrations last three days and mark the beginning of a new year, family reconciliation, especially among brothers and sisters, and adoration of God Dio. This year many Hindus will celebrate Diwali on 9 November.
The Message affirms: “The world around us is yearning for peace. Religions promise peace because they trace their origin to God who, according to Christian belief, is our peace. Can we, as believers of different religious traditions, not work together to receive God’s gift of peace and to spread it around us so that the world becomes for all people a better place to live?”
The text continues highlighting that “Belief and freedom always go together. There can be no coercion in religion" and “ no one can be forced to believe, neither can anyone who wishes to believe be prevented from doing so”. After recalling Vatican II teaching on this theme the Message underlines that “Forming believers first of all to discover the full dimensions and depth of their own religion, and then encouraging them to know other believers as well constitutes an important challenge for religious communities committed to building world peace. Let us not forget that ignorance is the first and, perhaps, the principal enemy in the life of believers, while the combined contribution of every enlightened believer provides a rich resource for lasting peace”.
“We must work to build bonds of friendship, as indeed must the adherents of all religions” the text says and recalls that in situations of misunderstanding, "people need to come together and communicate with one another, in order to clarify, in a fraternal and friendly spirit, their respective beliefs, aspirations and convictions. Only through dialogue, avoiding all forms of prejudice and stereo-typed ideas about others and by faithful witness to our religious precepts and teaching, can we truly overcome conflicts”. The Message concludes “Dialogue between followers of different religions is the necessary path today, indeed it is the only appropriate path for us as believers. Together, in collaboration, we can do much to build a society of harmony and a world of peace”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 5/11/2007 - Righe 32; Parole 460)
