Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong highlighted the shared values of mercy, simplicity, and a lack of emphasis on worldly achievements between Christianity and Taoism.
The prelate emphasized the importance of openness towards other cultures and religions during a conference on interreligious dialogue organized by the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and Hong Kong’s Catholic Diocese and Taoist Association.
In a report by Vatican News, Cardinal Chow was quoted as saying the conference aimed to “showcase the potential for religions to collaborate as constructive partners in the development of our society.”
“The vision of the Taoist religion is to foster a movement of the world toward peace and unity, where humanity and the Way – we would say the ‘Logos’ – are connected,” he said.
The prelate expressed hope that the recognition of his shared spirit of service would help “the value and meaning of religion [to be] better appreciated in China.”
Msgr. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, underscored the role of dialogue amidst a fractious world.
“As we all know, we live in a very difficult time. There is a lack of hope, frustration,” he said, adding that interreligious meetings “communicate a symbolic message to the world, that dialogue is possible and we can sit together and discuss, work together and walk together.”
