This Jubilee Year, Columbans in Britain are pleased to collaborate with local faith organisations on a series of interfaith events celebrating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. In the midst of a fragile global landscape, scarred by conflict and violence, Columbans seek to mark this anniversary by offering a programme that reflects on lessons learned, explores challenges, and embraces new opportunities for dialogue.
The Programme
The first gathering, scheduled for Monday, 3rd March at 7pm, will feature Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Chief Minister of Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, and Fr. Jeremy Howard, a local parish priest with a longstanding commitment to Christian-Jewish dialogue. The event, titled “Looking Back and Moving Forward: Lessons and Challenges for Christian-Jewish Relations,” will be held at the Midlands Arts Centre.
Historically, relations between Christians and Jews have been fraught with challenges. However, over the past six decades, significant progress has been made towards mutual understanding, respect, and a shared commitment to justice and peace. Recognising Christianity’s deep roots in Judaism, theological shifts—especially those inspired by Nostra Aetate—have fostered reconciliation. Dialogue has been a defining feature of the pontificates of Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis, strengthening interfaith relationships.
A second event, focusing on Muslim-Christian dialogue, will take place on Thursday, 8th May 2025, at a local mosque in Birmingham. This event will explore how Nostra Aetate has shaped engagement between the two faiths. Despite historical conflicts, misunderstandings, and theological differences, both traditions share a commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges, including poverty, war, environmental destruction, migration, justice, peace, and social action. The discussion will highlight how interfaith dialogue fosters healing, respect, and cooperation, particularly in the pursuit of global peacebuilding and shared values.
The third event, scheduled for Thursday, 11th September 2025, will explore how Christian engagement with Dharmic traditions can deepen relationships and promote the common good. The Indian-origin traditions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—have historically had complex and, at times, tense encounters with Christianity. However, over the past six decades, sustained efforts have been made to foster dialogue. Christianity shares common values, contemplative practices, and a commitment to justice and peace with these traditions. Ongoing collaboration continues in areas such as interfaith harmony and environmental stewardship.
The series will conclude with a final national interfaith event at St. Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday, 23rd October 2025.
Columban Missionaries’ Commitment to Dialogue
“Interfaith dialogue is not just about exchanging ideas; it’s about building relationships rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to justice. When we come together, we not only honour our diverse faiths but also work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world,” explains Mauricio Silva, Columban Interreligious Dialogue Co-ordinator, who is pleased to serve alongside members of the Archdiocese of Birmingham’s Commission for Interreligious Dialogue.
Nostra Aetate, the landmark 1965 declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, was issued by the Second Vatican Council. It encouraged dialogue and mutual respect, highlighting the shared spiritual heritage and values across faith traditions. The declaration emphasised that understanding and collaboration are essential for global harmony, fostering positive Christian relations with Jews, Muslims, and followers of Dharmic and other religious traditions.
For Columban Missionaries, these principles resonate deeply with our mission. Our commitment to interreligious dialogue is rooted in the belief that engaging with people of different faiths enriches our understanding of God’s universal love and promotes peace and harmony.
In Britain, our interreligious dialogue ministry is particularly focused on Birmingham, where we engage in grassroots initiatives that bring together people of diverse faiths, especially among newly arrived communities.
Globally, Columban Missionaries have found that addressing social issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation is most effective when collaborating with various faith communities. In the Philippines, we work with indigenous peoples like the Subanen and Aeta tribes, while in Pakistan, we foster interfaith dialogue with Hindu and Muslim communities, working together in efforts to care for creation.
As we approach the anniversary of Nostra Aetate, we encourage Columban supporters and people of goodwill to participate in the upcoming interfaith events in and around Birmingham. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities to reflect on the progress made in interfaith relations and to renew our commitment to dialogue, understanding, and peace.
For more information about Columban dialogue initiatives and our work with newly arrived communities, please contact Mauricio Silva at ird@columbans.co.uk
To register your interest in the events, please email our Columban Faith in Action Volunteer Abi Yendole at abi.yendole@columbans.co.uk
