What Is the Agra Region Doing to Strengthen Christian Unity and Interfaith Dialogue?

Around 30 bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders from the Agra Ecclesiastical Region gathered at the Naveenta Diocesan Pastoral and Communication Centre in Madar-Ajmer on September 24 for a seminar focused on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. Representatives from the Archdioceses and Dioceses of Agra, Ajmer, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Jaipur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Meerut and Allahabad participated in the programme. The seminar was jointly organised by the Agra Ecclesiastical Regional Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue and the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism. Focus on Christian Unity Fr. Elias Niranjan, Director of Ecumenism and Regional Secretary for Ecumenism and Dialogue, welcomed the participants and encouraged active involvement in the discussions. Bishop John Carvalho of Ajmer, who chairs the Agra Regional Commission for Ecumenism, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the importance of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in the Indian context and encouraged participants to promote Christian unity and constructive relationships with people of different faiths. Bishop Carvalho described dialogue as an important part of Christian engagement and pastoral life. Strengthening Dialogue Fr. Norbert Herman SVD, National Council Member of the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism, reflected on the relevance of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue in contemporary India. Drawing on Church teaching and pastoral experience, he encouraged participants to develop practical initiatives that could strengthen relationships among Christian communities and support dialogue with people of other religions. Fr. K. Anthaiah, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Ecumenism, presented the CCBI Pastoral Plan for Ecumenism. He called for the plan to be implemented at regional and diocesan levels, with adaptations suited to local circumstances. Sharing Pastoral Experiences A group discussion and open session allowed participants to share pastoral experiences, seek clarification and discuss practical approaches to implementing the pastoral plan. The discussions provided an opportunity for representatives from different dioceses to consider how ecumenical and interreligious engagement could become a more consistent part of pastoral ministry. Commitment to Continued Engagement The seminar concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Carvalho. He encouraged participants to continue Christ's mission of unity and dialogue and to integrate ecumenical and interreligious engagement into their pastoral responsibilities. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting Christian unity, strengthening relationships among Christian communities, fostering dialogue with other religions and implementing the CCBI Pastoral Plan across the Agra Ecclesiastical Region.