Goa Seminar Explores Foundations and Practice of Inter-Religious Dialogue

Goa, September 1, 2026: The theological foundations, historical development and practical challenges of inter-religious dialogue were explored at a day-long seminar held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on August 30.

Titled “Basics of Inter-Religious Dialogue” (BIRD), the seminar was jointly organised by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue (AIRD) of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar.

Fr. Heston Ferrão, Convenor of AIRD, and Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX, Convenor of Sadbhav, introduced the participants to the objectives of the seminar and outlined its focus on the theological, historical and practical dimensions of dialogue among people of different religious traditions.

Prof. Dr Blanche Mascarenhas and Fr. Caji Barretto, SFX, jointly presented the basic principles of inter-religious dialogue and explained its four recognised forms: the Dialogue of Life, Dialogue of Action, Theological Exchange and Dialogue of Religious Experience.

They also addressed common misconceptions surrounding dialogue, stressing that authentic inter-religious engagement does not imply syncretism, relativism, proselytism or religious indifference.

Fr. Heston Ferrão examined the Biblical foundations of inter-religious dialogue, highlighting God's universal concern and love through three Biblical covenants.

He referred to the covenant with Noah as reflecting God's concern for all creation, the covenant with Abraham as extending God's blessing to all nations, and the covenant of love proclaimed by Jesus Christ as pointing to the universal scope of salvation.

Offering a practical perspective, Mrs Assumption Raposo shared her experience of living among people of different faiths in Surat, Gujarat, for two decades and spoke about the importance of harmony and mutual understanding in everyday life.

Sr Godwina Pereira, HC, presented the development of the Catholic Church's teaching on inter-religious dialogue from the Second Vatican Council onwards. Her presentation included reflections on Nostra Aetate and subsequent teachings of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.

Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX, and Mr Custodio Dias led a comparative presentation on the “4 Cs”—Creed, Cult, Code and Community—in major Indian religious traditions, with particular reference to Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism.

Participants later engaged in group discussions based on case studies and reflection sessions facilitated by Fr. Snyter Pereira, a member of AIRD. Seminarians from Rachol Seminary and young people from Raia parish contributed to the programme through action songs.

A question-and-answer session led by members of AIRD enabled participants to raise doubts and discuss practical concerns related to inter-religious engagement.

The seminar included the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Thomas Lobo, Episcopal Vicar for the North Zone and Episcopal Vicar in charge of AIRD.

Fr. Lobo appreciated the efforts of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue and recalled positive responses from parishioners who had attended similar programmes, describing them as enriching and informative.

Fr. Heston Ferrão expressed gratitude to the speakers, organisers and participants, concluding the day-long programme that combined theological reflection, learning and practical engagement on the importance of dialogue among religious communities.

By Ms. Yannah Marchon