From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 30s
Cardinal Fernández: Every religion stands for peace, not war
The Vatican's doctrine chief reflects on 60 years of Nostra aetate and what interfaith dialogue means today.
In brief
The Vatican's doctrine chief reflects on 60 years of Nostra aetate and what interfaith dialogue means today. Authentic dialogue requires both a strong sense of identity and genuine openness to others, with each person revealing their faith's beauty without proselytism. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
60 years of Nostra aetate
Three Vatican dicasteries released 'A Journey of Hope' to mark six decades since the Second Vatican Council's declaration on interfaith relations.
No religion justifies war
Nostra aetate teaches that the Church rejects discrimination based on race or religion. Every religion stands for peace, never for war.
“those who use the name of God to legitimize terrorism, violence or war betray His true nature”
Identity plus openness
John Paul II emphasized combining the strongest sense of identity with the greatest openness to dialogue. Both are essential, not opposing forces.
Dialogue is proclamation
Authentic dialogue means clearly showing your own identity and revealing its beauty. Each person shares their faith without hiding who they are.
Sharing love, not proselytizing
Missionaries share what has changed their lives, like lovers describing their beloved. They wait with respect for others to ask, never demanding or obliging.
“the words of a lover do not disturb others, they do not make demands or oblige”
Dialogue serves evangelization
The Church proclaims faith in Christ while witnessing fraternal love to believers of other traditions. This counters individualism and self-worship.
A civilization of love
Through dialogue and collaboration with other religious traditions, the Church works toward a future of peace, fraternity, and justice for all humanity.
The takeaway
Authentic dialogue requires both a strong sense of identity and genuine openness to others, with each person revealing their faith's beauty without proselytism.
