The Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, with the theme “Karunā and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth,” has officially commenced at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event, spanning from November 13 to 16, 2023, is a collaborative effort led by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, in conjunction with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand and the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University.
In a statement released on Monday, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue emphasized the Colloquium’s mission to strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding cultivated through dialogues with Buddhist partners globally, with a special emphasis on the connections forged in Thailand.
The Colloquium aims to identify joint actions to address the wounds affecting humanity and our planet.
Participants from various countries, including Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, are actively engaging in discussions during the Colloquium.
This international representation underscores the global significance of the ongoing dialogue between Buddhist and Christian communities.
The inaugural session, which took place on November 13th, featured welcoming addresses from local authorities and representatives of various religions in Thailand.
A symbolic tree-planting ceremony marked the participants’ collective commitment to environmental care and healing, aligning with the overarching theme of the Colloquium.
Themed “Karunā and Agape,” reflecting the Buddhist and Christian concepts of compassion and selfless love, the Colloquium aims to explore the common ground shared by these two major world religions.
Over the next few days, attendees will delve into discussions focused on fostering mutual understanding, exploring collaborative actions, and seeking ways to contribute to the healing of both humanity and the Earth.
This gathering serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of religious leaders and practitioners from different faiths to work together toward a more harmonious and compassionate world.
The successful launch of the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium on November 13th promises to be a platform for meaningful dialogue, cooperation, and a shared vision for the well-being of our interconnected global community.
