15th Interfaith Encounter: United in Hearts to promote Hope

On October 27, 2025, the 15th Interfaith Encounter, theme United in Hearts to promote Hope, was solemnly held at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Saigon.

The event gathered dignitaries and devotees of various religious traditions. More than an annual meeting, it was a profound spiritual celebration in which different faith communities came together to pray, reflect, and share on the meaning of hope in today’s turbulent world.

Among those present were Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam; Bishop Joseph Chau Ngoc Tri, president of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue Committee of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam; Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Bui Cong Trac; together with numerous dignitaries, nuns, priests, and followers of Baha'i, Caodaism, Buddhism, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Minh Ly, and Islam.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang emphasized the profound significance of the interfaith encounter. He noted that this gathering offers a precious opportunity for members of the great family to meet, affirming that 'God is truly the Father who created us all, and we are brothers and sisters in his great family.'

He further affirmed the common purpose of all religions is to worship God and to serve the happiness of others. In this light, the theme 'United Hearts Spreading Hope' carries a special meaning. “United Hearts” calls for building friendship, peace, and harmony through the sharing of spiritual values ​​and experiences. “Spreading Hope”, in turn, invites followers to rekindle faith, and engaging with society to bring consolation to those who suffer.

Archbishop Joseph also highlighted significant anniversaries associated with this year’s encouter, including the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which promulgated the of Constitution Gaudium et Spes on Joy and Hope and the Declaration Nostra Aetate on relations with non-Christian religions; the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Organ for Universalizing Caodai Teaching; and the 90th anniversary of the construction of the Jamia Al Musulman Mosque.

Throughout the program, representatives of various religions offered reflections on hope from their respective spiritual traditions, presenting a rich and multifaceted perspective.

Representing Baha'i, Nguyen Van Truong shared that hope is not an escape from reality, but rather a frank acknowledgment of the world's suffering combined with confidence in humanity’s capacity to transform it. Quoting the teaching of Baha’i’s that “the earth is one country and mankind its citizen”, he emphasized that hope lies in the inevitable movement of history toward global unity.

However, he stressed, hope must be expressed through concrete action. The Baha'i community actively engaged in social service and youth education, fostering character formation, a spirit of service, spiritual growth, and strong community bonds. All these efforts are inspired by the life-giving power of the Word of God. He concluded by calling on all people, regardless of religious affiliation, to unite in spreading love through practical actions in communities.

Sister Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc then presented Minh Ly perspectives on hope, explaining that hope is nurtured through a deep understanding of cosmic principles and human life, and through the hamonious integration of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

In Confucianism, hope is proactive, rooted in self-cultivation through benevolence, propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and trustworthiness, contributing to the building of harmonious families and prosperous nations. In Taoism, hope is serene, grounded in trust in the natural order of the universe and calm acceptance of change. In Buddhism, hope is ultimately the aspiration for liberation, symbolized by the lotus blossoming from the mud – a powerful image of purity energing from suffering.

Father John of God Nguyen Phuoc, OFM, then reflected on Christian hope, which he summarized in three fundamental words: faith, hope, and love. Christian hope is oriented toward eternal life in God and is chracterized by perserverance, active engagement in building justice and peace, and a communal dimension, as the Church journeys together toward the Kingdom of Heaven.

He illustrated this hope through two powerful examples: Cardinal Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, who transformed years of imprisonment into a witness of light and joy, and Charlie Kirk, a young American activist whose courageous public witness continues to inspire youth despite his tragic death. These example remind belivers that Christian hope calls for courage, joy, and commitment in a world longing for meaning. That is also the message of the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.

Afterward, Chief Administrator Nguyen Hoang Huy shared Cao Dai perspectives on hope, describing it as the affirmation of humanity’s divine origin and spiritual destiny. Rooted in love and righteousness, this hope unites individuals, communities, and religions, becoming a flame capable of illuminating paths of reconcilation and peace.

The second part opened with the communal song Opening the Heart, inviting participants to greet one another with handshakes, smiles, and words of love and hope.

Sister Anna Ho Thi Hanh, from the Congregation of Divine Providence, then presented the topic Hope from a Psychological Perspective, offering insights into how hope functions as a vital cognitive and spiritual resource. Da psychological perspective on hope in relation to faith. Drawing on psychological research, she explained that hope is built upon clear goals, pathways toward achievement, and a deep conviction of one’s capacity to overcome obstacles. Faith, she added, provides meaning and direction, transforming hope into a resilient way of life.

Participants were then invited to reflect on the article Hope as Buddhist Teachings by Venerable Thich Hue Dang and to listen to the recitation of the poem Awakening the Deluded Mind by follower Ngoc Anh of Hoa Hao Buddhism.

The spiritual climax of the encounter was the interfaith prayer for peace and for victims of natural disasters. Representatives from the Baha'i, Cao Dai, Focolare Movement, Minh Ly, Buddhism, Pure Land Sect, and Catholicism offered prayers according to their respective traditions, yet united in a single aspiration: that humanity may live in harmony, compassion, and peace.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Joseph Chau Ngoc Tri, reflected on the philosophy of 'the Way', emphasized that although religions may follow different paths, they ultimately converge toward Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. He likened the interfaith encounter to crossroads of hope, where dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding are essential to avoid conflict and to nurture peace. He encouraged participants to carry this spirit into daily life, becoming seeds of hope within society..

The 15th Interfaith Encounter concluded with the recitation of Saint Francis's Prayer for Peace, inviting all present to become instruments of love, forgiveness, justice, and hope, and to continue building of solidarity in a divided world.

Translator: Phan Anh
Source: nhipcautamgiao.net