Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Fides Agency) - “The bonds joining us together are stronger than the barriers which divide us”: it is what young Buddhists and Christians said at a recent five day seminar organised in Bangkok by the Institute for Formation to Interreligious dialogue, belonging to the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
It gathered young people from Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in the region, and they all saw how Christians and Buddhists can meet and be side by side in a dialogue of lives and sharing common action in social works, especially towards sick and emarginated people.
“What struck me - said a young Buddhist who participated - is the great openness and understanding of young Christians, their readiness to welcome people of different cultures and religions and their great commitment to work for love and justice”. On the other side young Christians were positively impressed by the level of expressiveness and concentration young Buddhists revealed. Together they shared moments of formation, listening, study and debate.
The Seminary - the young people present said - was useful to develop knowledge of the other and a deeper understanding of the two religions’ spirituality. Dialogue between Christians and Buddhists makes a few steps forward in Thailand also thanks to the Focolari Movement and Capuchin Brothers.
(PA) (Fides Agency 2/6/2004 lines 22 words 225)
