Interfaith dialogue: The Australian Catholic scene

Interfaith (or interreligious) dialogue is now recognisably an important aspect of human life in our globalised world. Its poignancy is made evident by a number of challenges that define our modern world. Although Christian dialogue with other traditions has a mixed history, its origins in the ministry of Jesus and the early church are important to highlight. We therefore need to acknowledge the failures of the past. The Catholic Church's recommitment to dialogue since Vatican II is unequivocal in official church teaching as well as in the promotion of dialogue through the establishment of interfaith commissions at international, national and diocesan levels. In the Australian situation we can also recognise many initiatives at local and national levels sponsored by governments, universities, community, religious and intercultural groups. The question of being Australian and Catholic is raised with respect to the mutual influences of religion and culture in interfaith attitudes and approaches.