AFRICA: Holy See Announces Major Conference on Inter-faith Relations
VATICAN, March 11, 2008 (CISA) -A major conference on inter-faith relations in Africa organised by the Holy See will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from April 16 to 20, 2008.
Following is a statement sent to CISA by Monsignor Chidi Denis Isizoh, head of the Africa Desk at the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Vatican City:
Once every five years the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Vatican City, meets at the continental level with its members and consulters as well as presidents of national commissions for inter-religious dialogue and representatives of episcopal conferences to discuss regional issues concerning relations with people of other religions. I am delighted to inform you that such consultation will take place in Nairobi from April 16 to 20 2008.
Participants, mainly Catholic bishops, are expected to come from different countries of sub-Saharan Africa. It will be an important moment to reflect on the situation of inter-religious relations in Africa. The theme for this year's consultation is "Formation in Inter-religious Dialogue in the Sub-Saharan Africa". The participants will examine the programmes of formation for different pastoral agents (priests, religious men and women, and the lay faithful) in order to find out how best to prepare Catholics to relate well with people of other religious traditions.
Two major events during the consultation will be:
1) Opening Session: Wednesday, 16 April, 2008, at Resurrection Garden Catholic Centre in Karen, Nairobi; Time: 9.00 a.m.
At the Opening Session representatives of major religions in Kenya will be present. The keynote address will be given by His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Vatican City.
2)The Closing, Concelebrated Holy Mass: Sunday, 20 April, 2008, at Basilica Cathedral of the Holy Family; Time: 10.00 a.m.
All are cordially invited. Those who can and wish to concelebrate the Mass are most welcome. They should carry their alb and white stole. The intercessory prayers during the Mass will reflect the linguistic diversity of the great continent of Africa.
