The 2014 Events of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue in HCM City's Archdiocese
Inter-religious Activities:
February
9. Saigon: The Interreligious Encounter with the Baha’i Community: In the morning of February 9, 2014, the members of the Inter-Faith Dialogue Commission and the Caodaist believers joined the Interreligious reunion for harmony with the Baha’i community at 63C/4 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
27. The visit of the Diocesan Interreligious Dialogue Commission to the Charity Clinic Channel 7 at Kien Giang province. Fr. James, an herbalist doctor and former director of the clinic had passed away. The Charity Clinic Channel 7 is a united humanitarian effort of 5 religions of Buddhism, Caodism, Hoa Hao, Protestants and Catholicism. This so-called “Clinic of Five (5) Religions” has been existing since 20 years. The healing service of the clinic becomes holistic with the love and compassion given by the people administering it. They professed different religious beliefs but share a golden heart as big as the world to build a ”healing center” for all people. The clinic has been equipped with modern clinic equipments that facilitate the healing process of all patients.
April
22. Saigon: Talks on “God / Allah” or “Thiên / Tian 天” according to Baha’i, Caodai, Catholic, and Islamic faiths: The Diocesan Commission for Interfaith Dialogue (DCID) and the Saigon Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (SAPI) co-organized a seminar to exchange concepts of “God / Allah” or “Thiên / Tian 天” according to Baha’i, Caodai, Catholic and Islamic faith. The seminar was held at the Archdiocesan Tradition House, 6 bis Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District One at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 22nd of April 2014.
After each presentation by Baha’i, Islamic, Caodai and Catholic representatives in turn, the attendees friendly exchanged their tolerate ideas, sharing their deep cognition or thorough understanding of the unity of all faiths. Indeed, according to them, God – or any different names – is the same goal of human beings’ spiritual journey to the Verity, the Goodness, and the Beauty.
May
5. Archbishop Paul Bui Van Doc visited the Administrative Council of Buddhism on the occasion of the 2558th Birth anniversary of Buddha.
8. In the morning, the Institute of the Lovers of the Holy Cross invited a group of Caodaist postulants from the Organ for Universalizing Caodai Teaching to come and shared some understanding and experiences about the life and journey of those who dedicate themselves to Caodai God. The group’s leader was Sister Kim Dung, a Caodai priest. Such short encounter left a friendly and unforgettable impression in the hearts of both parties who have been on their journey of dedication to God as well as to human beings.
11. Upon the invitation of Huệ Ý, a Caodai priest and the Secretary General of the Organ for Universalizing Caodai Teaching, Fr. Francis Xavier Bảo Lộc led a Catholic delegation to the Organ to attend the symposium on May 11, 2014. The attendees included lots of Catholic priests, nuns and the faithful of Caodaism. Fr. Francis Xavier Bảo Lộc is a Catholic priest and the Head of the Archdiocesan Interreligious Dialogue. He was the guest speaker of the occasion.
Fr. Bảo Lộc’s talk helped both Caodaists and Catholics come closer to each other. Indeed, a better understanding was built, and an increasing friendship was strengthened despite some differences between the two faiths.
September
24-29. The 1st Interfaith Dialogue on Religious Leaders for Peace in ASEAN community held at Ayutthaya, Thailand. It’s main theme is “Religious Tolerance” . Sister Nguyen Phung Ai Thien attended the meeting.
October
27. 4th Annual Inter-religious meeting: “Lifting up our joy to heaven as one”.
It was also attended by representatives coming from the Religious Council of Baha'i Spirituality for Vietnam, from the Cao Dai, Tay Ninh Holy See and Tien Thien Church, priests and members of the Organization for Universalizing Cao Dai Teaching, representatives of Minh Ly, monks from Ngoc Thanh Monastic, pastors from the Seventh-day Adventist and Evangelical churches and the HoaHao Buddhists in Ho Chi Minh City.
The 4th Annual Inter-religious encounter was envisioned to build understanding, solidarity and brotherhood among religious believers, while contributing to the good of society. It was also commemorating the 50th anniversary of establishment of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (1964-2014) and the 145th year birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-2014).
December
The Administrative Council of Buddhism visited Archbishop Paul Bui Van Docon the occasion of the Christmas
Ecumenical
February
23. The First Visit to the Pentecostal Assemblies of Vietnam:
On February 23, 2014 at 9:00 in the morning, seven (7) members of the Inter-faith Dialogue Committee headed by Chairman Fr. Francis Xavier Bao Loc attended the worship and conference of the Pentecostal Assemblies at Elisha Church, # 527/54 Phan Van Tri Street , Ward 5, Go Vap District. They received an invitation from Mr. Rick, a Bible Professor.
December
17. The Coptic Orthodox 'group visited the Archbishop'house
19. The Coptic Orthodox 'group visited the Pastoral Center
Pastoral Center of Ho Chi Minh City (Dec. 19, 2014)
The Inter-faith Dialogue Commission of HCM City
