The Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission has been formulated to strengthen the harmony of our society at large. It believes that such a harmony can only be attained through constant dialogues between the divergent groups, communities and individuals. The uniqueness of every person, faith and communities must be appreciated to strengthen the unity of the society. It keeps up the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of Man.

We believe that there is an element of Goodness innate in every human being irrespective of caste, creed, language, colour etc.. This innate goodness in our heart is being celebrated when we come together irrespective of caste and religion in any occasion of common festivals and this  flourishment of goodness  brings a new culture in the society which we want to establish  in our country that is the culture of Love,Truth, Justice Tollerance and Eqality. We understand that all these are Gospel values.

Vision: 

The vision is to reach the inner and outer spheres of man and nature, to establish a vibrant and harmonious society. The heterogeneity of man and nature has to be admitted and appreciated. But that should never be a hindrance to establish a link between one and many because there is heaven in you and me.

Mission

It is intended to adopt practical steps to know and be known by one and all in a pluralistic society like ours. The intention is to find out a common ground to share our experiences as one of the means to strenghthen, socio-cultural and religious fabric of our society and to explore the further possibilities to make our space more livable.

Modus Operandi

We think dialogue is the best method to establish a healthy link between one individual and other individual in society; man and God, man and nature. The dialogue is not intended to get mastery over the other or to celebrate victory over the rest, but to understand each other to actualize potentialities of every individual at macro and micro level with a positive outlook.

Aims and Objectives 

To propagate the Love of Christ which includes everyone and establish the Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of man.

To promote principles of various religions of the world to propagate religious harmony and fraternity.

To strive to promote communal Harmony and world peace.

To share among all the segments of the society the knowledge of various religious traditions.

To prevent Religion from becoming an instrument of oppression , explotation and injustice and to strive for the economic and social uplift of the downtrodden.

Dialogue between religions and culture is the essential need of the time. Pope Francis welcomes dialogue with Muslims. Dialogue must be always for peace and harmony of the world. Based  on these guiding principles, KCBC Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission has arranged various programmes in the previous months to give awareness to the public regarding the values related to Dialogue with other Religions, Churches and streams of Society.

Seminar on Concept of Family in different Religions

Theme: Defy the powers that wreck the stability of a family.

Arch Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakkat, Chairman, KCBC Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission opined that society should strive unitedly to destroy the evil powers that cause havoc to the stability of our families. He was addressing the inaugural meeting of the seminar on ‘Indian viewpoint on Family’   organised by KCBC Dialogue & Ecumenism Commission.

The influence of the Western culture has brought forth certain sinful practices. Same sex marriage and ‘live together’ are some of the evils that has been incorporated into our social system. To overthrow this pernicious practice, fierce studies and actions should be taken. He added that it is indeed the need of the hour for a family – the building block of a society – to stand firm on its values.

The then KCBC Deputy Secretary General Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara presided over the function. Swami Sivaswaroopananda, Secretary Advaitasramam Aluva, Imam Sulaiman Maulavi, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungallur, Rev. Dr. Augustine Kalleli and Shri. Kervinder Singh presented the various outlook of a family based on different religions.

Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI, Secretary KCBC Dialogue & Ecumenism Commission, Fr. Cherian and Fr. Joseph Sugun Leon also spoke in the function. Representatives of 16 Diocese also participated in this programme.

Seminar on the topic: St. John 23^rd & St. John Paul 2^{nd _} Prophets of Inter-Religious Dialogue.

We organized a seminar on the Inter- religious concepts of two Saints, .St. John 23^rd and St. John Paul 2^nd.  According to Prof. M. K. Sanoo, Pope John 23rd and John Paul 2^nd encouraged inter-religious Dialogue and they have a distinct position this world.

            It was Pope John 23^rd who gave the leadership to the revolutionary changes in the Church. The World has viewed in amazement the   religious, spiritual and social changes he brought about.  Among all these, Inter-religious Dialogue is most remarkable initiative.

            Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara presided over the function. Inaugurating the seminar on “the perspectives of St. John 23^rd & St. John Paul 2^nd on Inter Religious Dialogue”, Prof. Sanu discussed their views aims and thoughts.  Prof. Sanoo added that the Inter-religious dialogue which John 23^rd began in the Church was effectively extended to solving political and world problems also by his successor Pope John Paul II. He told that Inter-Religious Dialogue can be accomplished only when varied opinions, Culture and equality are merged.

 In his presidential address Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan (Chairman,PSC) pointed out that dialogue is the path to search for truth. Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkat, Rev. Dr. Zaharias Paranilam expressed their opinions in this topic. Rev. Fr. Roby Kannachira CMI, KCBC Dialogue & Ecumenism Commission Secretary and John Paul also addressed the gathering.

Singing for Peace in the Middle East

KCBC Dialogue & Ecumenism Commission organized “Singing for Peace in the Middle East”.  This was inaugurated by Mar Jose Puthenveettil, Auxiliary Bbishop of Ernakulam- Angamaly Arch Diocese. He pointed out that this music has a mesmerizing power to unify all religions. It stimulates not only human beings but the whole living creatures in this universe. Music leads to creativity, the Bishop said. The Programe was presided over by Justice P.K. Shamsudhin.  Shri. Daya Sing and Jessy Kuor Sing from Australia led the Bajans of different religions.  Rev. Dr. Albert Nambiaparambil CMI, Kochi Corporation Standing Committee Chairperson  Saumini  Jain,  Adv. Govind Bharthan ,Mr. Abdul Saleem, .Imam Shri, M.P. Faisal andRev. Fr. Siju Paul Palathanathu spoke on the subject. Singers Mr.Febin George,  Ms.Elizabath Saviour Sang songs along with other religious Musicians in Hindu, Christian, Muslims, Sikh & Jain Religions.

Deepavali Celebration & Inter-religious meeting on 10^th November  2015

KCBC Dialogue and Ecumenism Commission organized Deepavali celebrations and an Inter religious fraternity meeting at POC. Kerala Public Service Commission Chairman Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the function. All religions have taught us the importance of lights and   all faiths lead to light from darkness, he said in his inauguaral address. K.C.B.C Deputy Secretary General Fr. Varghese Vallikkat, presided over the function. Fr. Zacharias Paranilam, Adv. T.P.M. Ibrahim Khan, Imam Shri. Shifas Al Kausari and Shri. Rajendra Singh talked about the necessity of tolerance in Religions.  Bishop Mar Mathew Arackal  of Kanjirapally Diocese who was the Chief Guest, lighted  the traditional Lamp. 

Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI

Secretary, Dialogue &Ecumenism Commission.