Cardinal stresses interreligious dialogue in Wesak Day message

May 07, 2014

VATICAN: Interreligious dialogue is the peacemaker’s alternative to secularism and fundamentalism, a top Vatican official wrote in a message to Buddhists around the world.

“In today’s world, marked by forms of secularism and fundamentalism that are often inimical to true freedom and spiritual values, interreligious dialogue can be the alternative choice by which we find the ‘golden way’ to live in peace and work together for the good of all,” said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

In a message for Wesak Day, a commemoration of the major events in the life of the Buddha, Cardinal Tauran said that when believers of different religions enter into dialogue with one another and get to know each other better, “respect for the fundamental human rights of freedom of conscience and freedom of worship” increases.

“Wherever religious freedom is effectively acknowledged, the dignity of the human person is respected at its roots,” the cardinal wrote in the message released by the Vatican on March 31.

Freedom, truth and peace are all related, he said.

“By the sincere search for what is true and good, moral conscience and civil institutions are strengthened, and justice and peace are firmly established,” the cardinal wrote.

In Malaysia, Buddhists will celebrate Wesak Day on May 13. -- CNS