- 02 September, 2025
Patna, September 2, 2025: The Bihar Regional Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue Commission held a three-day training programme from 29–31 August for Regional Youth Animators, Religious, Seminarians, Young Priests, and Lay collaborators. Ninety-six participants, representing four major religions from across Bihar, gathered at the Regional Pastoral Centre, Navjyoti Niketan, Patna.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop Cajetan Francis Osta, Regional President of the Commission. He invoked God’s blessings on the participants and emphasised that ecumenism and interfaith dialogue are “two crucial pillars of the establishment of a Universal Synodal Church in modern India.” He added, “It is through constant dialogue and sharing that we open our doors for mutual godly experiences, exchanging of rich and versatile religious theological insights and cooperation for harmony, peace, unity and solidarity in our motherland Bihar.”
Sessions on “Ecumenism in Synodality: A Beacon of Peace, Unity and Collaboration among all the Churches” followed. Resource persons included Pastor Kranti, Pastor Jerry, Pastor Sunil, Social Activist Sr. Blessy, Fr. James Rosario, and Fr. Ranjeet Joseph, with Bishop Osta as guest of honour. All emphasised the urgency of strengthening ecumenical relationships through dialogue amidst rising communal challenges.
Pastor Jerry of the Universal Church said, “Christianity is a religion of love and peace and must dialogue to relinquish all the ideological differences and divisions to restore collaboration and unity in this local vineyard of our Master Jesus Christ.” Fr. Ranjeet Joseph, Regional Secretary, asserted, “Working together for Christian unity is the paramount responsibility of all the Churches to jointly establish and enhance the Kingdom of God in our motherland.” Pastor Sunil of CNI Church Patna lamented that while Churches often speak of unity, “once they depart, they depart totally without raising a finger to work for unity and collaboration.” Sr. Blessy urged the drafting of a written prospective plan with clearly defined rules for fostering collaboration.
During an interaction session, participants raised questions about divisions among Churches. Responding, Fr. James Rosario remarked, “The Church is one body of Christ; once we Christians, irrespective of our ideologies, start living out our Master and Saviour Jesus Christ in every walk of life, unity and collaboration will come spontaneously.” In the evening, trainees presented cultural activities under the guidance of Mr. Ajit and Mr. Mukti Prakash, offering creative solutions for unity. Group discussions led by Rev. Pranoy and Rev. Tarcius examined social and religious vices that cause divisions, with participants expressing ideas through dramas, art, and songs.
Fr. Ranjeet Joseph celebrated the Eucharist on the second day and reflected on Matthew 25:14–30 and urging participants to use their talents responsibly. The day’s focus was interreligious dialogue. In a session on Bihar’s socio-political-religious realities, Mr. Birendra Jee highlighted discrimination, untouchability, and poverty, urging participants to become agents of justice and fraternity.
Fr. Pranoy IMS, Director of Sadbhavana Sadan, Vaishali, presented a comparative study of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, stressing that their scriptures enshrine virtues of love for God, humanity, and creation. Inspired, participants pledged unity by singing “We Shall Overcome.” Later, Dr. Anthony Swamy spoke on “Jesus Christ and His Teachings in the Context of Interreligious Dialogue,” highlighting Christ’s reformist approach through dialogue, justice, and love.
Muslim scholar and Patna High Court Advocate M.K. Yunus spoke on “Islam and its Contribution to Indian Culture and Nation-Building.” He explained Islam’s spirituality and core virtues of prayer, charity, penance, love, and justice. Clarifying misconceptions about Jihad, he said it refers to struggle against evil, not people. He cited Muslim patriots who contributed to India’s freedom, adding, “Islam always lives and preaches unity, solidarity, love and justice with all.”
Fr. James Rosario celebrated the Eucharist and spoke of religion’s role in nurturing moral and spiritual values, condemning communalism and hatred as destructive on the third day. Participants then visited places of worship in Patna, including Patna Sahib Gurudwara, a Shiv Temple, and a Mosque. The head of the Gurudwara welcomed the Commission, emphasising Sikhism’s virtues of peace and service. Members of the Rotary Club joined the tour, sharing their experiences of promoting unity across faiths.
Back at Navjyoti Niketan, participants presented one-year, six-month, and monthly plans for promoting ecumenism and interfaith dialogue in their communities. These were discussed with organisers Fr. James, Fr. Pranoy, Fr. Tarcius, Sr. Blessy, and Ms. Shalli.
Fr. Ranjeet Joseph thanked Navjyoti Niketan, collaborators, and participants. He assured, “I will visit all the groups periodically and keep encouraging and assessing their works in the field of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue.”
Participants expressed gratitude for the seminar and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting unity, dialogue, and peace across Bihar.
By Fr. Ranjeet Joseph
Regional Secretary,
Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue Commission, Bihar.
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