The call to interfaith dialogue

The paper explores the contemporary call to interfaith dialogue from the Christian – especially Roman Catholic – perspective. Although there is focus on dialogue among the Abrahamic traditions, some attention is given to dialogue with indigenous and secular humanist traditions. The paper proposes various theological bases for dialogue in Vatican II and subsequent Church teachings, and in newer theologies which focus on the role of the Trinity and the Holy Spirit. Some attention is given to the insights of Raimon Panikkar including his emphasis on intra-religious dialogue and a spirituality for dialogue. Various levels of dialogue – life, action, theology and religious experience – are discussed along with other practical aspects of dialogue. Challenges and promises of interfaith dialogue are explored in the Australian context with emphasis on its possible contribution to tolerance, reconciliation and the transformation of culture.