Gulbarga diocese hosts interreligious dialogue to foster fraternity

Gulbarga, Karnataka, September 4, 2025 — The Diocese of Gulbarga hosted a four-day journey of interreligious encounter, led by Karnataka’s Regional Secretary for Interreligious Dialogue, Fr. Vinay Kumar. Accompanied by the Vicar General, Fr. Santhosh Bapu, and diocesan clergy, the initiative sought to deepen dialogue and understanding among diverse faith communities.

Meetings with Religious Leaders

The visit began with conversations with heads of different religious traditions, centred on the inclusive spirit of the Church and its commitment to mutual engagement. In his interactions, the regional secretary underlined that being truly religious means being open to interreligious dialogue, stressing the value of mutual respect and understanding.

Bishop Robert Miranda welcomed the initiative, offering blessings and guidance while affirming his strong commitment to dialogue as a path to peace and reconciliation. The Vicar General, equally passionate about fostering harmony, emphasised the importance of such encounters and personally accompanied the delegation throughout the programme.

Visits to Sacred Sites

The interreligious journey featured visits to significant places of worship and reflection:

1. Basava Kalyana – honouring Basavanna’s spirituality and philosophy.
2. Anubava Mantapa – a symbolic centre of Lingayat thought and values.
3. Buddha Vihara – promoting peace and wisdom through Buddhist tradition.
4. Gurudwara – highlighting Sikh values of community and service.
5. Mosques – underscoring devotion and unity in the Muslim community.
6. Brahmakumari Spiritual Centre – focusing on self-awareness, peace, and harmony.

Fr. Joseph Praveen, Cathedral Parish Priest, enriched the visits with valuable resources and animation, while diocesan clergy accompanied the group, ensuring smooth engagement at every stop.

A Commitment to Harmony

The four-day encounter stood as a clear witness to the power of dialogue in building bridges across faiths. By engaging with diverse religious traditions and leaders, the organisers reinforced their commitment to harmony, cooperation, and a shared vision of peace across Karnataka.

Reported by Fr. Aron Vas,

Gulbarga

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