UGANDA: UEC urges Catechists to promote interreligious and ecumenism dialogue in pastoral ministry
In an effort to build a “culture of peace” among Christians and Muslims and other faiths, the Uganda Episcopal Conference had urged Catechists in the Archdiocese of Mbarara to promote interreligious and ecumenical dialogue in their pastoral ministry.
“It is an integral part of the mission of the catechists to promote unity amongst the Christian family and build relationships with people of other religions regardless of their creed. The pastoral dynamics are changing everyday and one of it is religious pluralism,” said Fr. Vincent Karatunga, the Executive Secretary of the Interreligious and Ecumenism Department of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC).
Fr. Karatunga was speaking during the inaugural training for the catechists in the Archdiocese of Mbarara on Interreligious and Ecumenism dialogue. The training was held at Ibanda Pastoral Center in Mbarara Archdiocese from February 22-24, under the theme of, Effective Evangelization in the Context of Religious Pluralism. Over 80 catechists took part in the training to heighten the visibility and broaden the commitment to interfaith dialogue in their pastoral work.
“The idea was to send a unified clear message that the world community is in consensus in promoting interfaith dialogue in line with the teaching of the Catholic Church and speaking against extremism, intolerance and terrorism,” he added.
The training was organized by the Interreligious and Ecumenism Department of the UEC. Among the topics the catechists discussed were: Our Pastoral context as influenced by globalization, the reality of Pluralism and how to respond to it, Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue-what they are, Dialogue and its forms (life, action religious, theological), Dialogue as an encounter and Dialogue among Abrahamic Religions. They also discussed about the Importance of peace, love, harmony Vs ignorance, stereo-types, prejudice and misconceptions as well as the Role of a Catechist.
Fr. Karatunga also said that following the training, the catechists will be able to explore efforts on how to deal with human dignity and respect on an equal basis to both men and women despite their religion beliefs.
“What the training has done is make the connection so clearly between core commitments of faith and respect for religious freedom and other human rights, and this is a remarkable achievement,” he explained adding that the department will hold similar workshops for the catechists in other Archdiocese within the country to promote interfaith and ecumenism.
By Jacinta W. Odongo, Uganda Episcopal Conference
