The Urgency of Catholic Interfaith Advocacy
On March 30, 2015, the Xaverian Missionaries throughout the world, along with many lay people who collaborate with us globally, will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of St. Guido Conforti, founder of the Xaverian Missionaries in 1895. His legacy lives on today in the the desire of the Church to reach beyond the borders of faith and culture to share the hope, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. St. Conforti’s spiritual journey shows us that the Xaverian Family has its roots in an intense spiritual experience, which sprung forth from the heart of a man who was passionate about life, humanity and creation as the fruit of his experience of God’s love. The great challenge of our times is to communicate this love in a fragmented world.
Spirit of Solidarity
One of the many aspects of St. Conforti’s legacy lies in his spirit of solidarity across this
fragmentation. Even in his own times the divisiveness of society in Italy and throughout Europe influenced some of his own thinking. We go to encounter God, the God of Jesus Christ, in the soul of every people, carrying only the cross of Christ – his love/giving – to do as He did and reveal to others our own experience of this love.We discover that the Spirit of God has gone before us.
In this consists “the challenge to understand and respect people who are different, to live alongside them and dialogue with them in a mutual enrichment in the evangelizing mission, apostolic relationships, formation to the religious life, relationships between cultures, generations and visions of the world, among the churches and faiths, as well as in the acceptance of diversities, different manifestations of faith and living together in a truly fraternal and human manner.We look for the God of Jesus Christ to learn from Him the ability to create spaces in which people have the right to “be”.
Catholic Interfaith Advocates
We live at a time when people of different faith backgrounds are interacting with greater frequency than ever before. We hear the stories of people who seek to make faith a barrier of division or a bomb of destruction all too often. Instead, we view religious and philosophical traditions as bridges of cooperation. Our interfaith commitment as Catholics, in honoring the pluralism around us, honors Christ present in all.
In particular, our Catholic tradition of dialogue is a gift to the world in a time when people within our nation and all of humanity use faith, race, and culture as a means to divide and segregate ourselves from each other. St. Conforti’s legacy lifts up this great need and the balm of dialogue, exchange, and collaboration. Catholic individuals and communities proclaim the compassion of Christ in no uncertain terms.
We see Catholic interfaith advocacy as helping to create a world characterized by:
- Respect for people’s diverse religious and non-religious identities,
- Mutually inspiring relationships between people of different backgrounds, and
- Common action for the common good.
We think that the Kingdom of God is enhanced enormously through the Catholic Church’s desire to be in dialogue with the world, by creating positive, meaningful relationships across differences, and fostering appreciative knowledge of other traditions. This is traditionally called the mission ad gentes of the Church, developed since Vatican II. St. John Paul II reminds us that our relationship with those of others faiths, or no faith at all is dictated by two important assumptions: respect for humanity’s profound search for answers to the most profound questions of life, and respect for the power of the Holy Spirit present in all of humanity. He states: “…the inter-religious meeting held in Assisi was meant to confirm my conviction that “every authentic prayer is prompted by the Holy Spirit, who is mysteriously present in every human heart.” (Redemptoris Missio #29)
What Catholic Interfaith Advocates (CIA) Need
- Desire to make a difference in a divided world based on our Catholic faith
- Acquaintance with the rich Catholic tradition of interfaith dialogue and collaboration
- Interfaith literacy: discover the richness of other faiths and points of view
- Get involve in the many interfaith initiatives going close to you
April 14, 2015 is Better Together Day
The Interfaith Youth Core of Chicago had organized a great way to get at this. April 14 is Better Together Day. We’re disconnected. The divide between our religious and non-religious communities is huge, and that’s a problem. Consider this: 35% of people think Islam is more violent than other traditions. 43% of people wouldn’t vote for a well qualified atheist for president. When people hear the word Mormon, 3 of the 4 words that come to mind are negative. On top of that, religious tension is globally at a six year high.
We can do our part to change that. Research shows that just having one friend of a different religious or non-religious background can build understanding and combat ignorance. That’s why, on April 14th, we want you talk to an actual human of another religious or non-religious background about the values you both share. Then come back and post the experience online.
Still confused? Let’s break it down. By signing the pledge, you’re saying that on April 14th you’re going to…
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Catholic Interfaith Advocate, contact us. We would
be happy to help.
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