Pope Benedict XVI Blog

True, authentic dialogue must avoid relativism, says Holy Father

Vatican City, Dec 9, 2008 / 11:15 am (CNA).- The Pope today reminded both the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the Pontifical Council for Culture that in order for dialogue to be authentic, it must avoid relativism and “be animated by sincere respect for others.” The two dicasteries met today at the Vatican to discuss the theme, “Dialogue between Cultures and Religions.”

In the Holy Father’s written message to the pontifical councils, he discussed the importance of Christianity’s role in the building of Europe and emphasized the necessity of reflecting on the ancient Christian traditions that have permeated Western society for centuries.

Though Europeans today “seem to ignore Europe’s Christian roots,” the Pope said, “these roots remain alive and should show the way and nourish the hope of millions of citizens who share the same values."

The Holy Father also invited believers to promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue to work toward the common good.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:08 PM