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 first event in this interfaith series, focusing on Christian–Jewish relations took place in March. It was described by participants as “an excellent example of positive interfaith engagement” and “a profound opportunity to reflect on the journey of understanding and reconciliation since Nostra Aetate.” Attendees valued the “open and honest sharing” and the chance to explore “both the pain and the hope” that have shaped dialogue between faiths.
Building on that spirit of encounter, the second event, titled “Looking Back and Moving Forward: Lessons and Challenges for Muslim-Christian Relationships” will be held on the 8th May 2025 between 7-9pm at the Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust Jamiah Islamiyah Mosque in Birmingham.
This gathering will explore how Nostra Aetate—the landmark Vatican II declaration on interreligious relations—has shaped understanding, respect and cooperation between Muslims and Christians over the past six decades. Like the first evet, it will reflect on the shared commitment of both faiths to uphold human dignity and work for the common good, amid deep historical and theological differences.
In a world increasingly marked by division, poverty, war and environmental crisis, this event will highlight how interfaith dialogue is not just desirable, but essential. By coming together to address global challenges such as migration, social injustice and ecological destruction, Christian and Muslim communities can foster mutual understanding and build lasting peace. The evening will offer insights into how faith-based collaboration can heal divisions, strengthen communities and promote shared values of justice, compassion and solidarity.
There will be a third event, taking place on Thursday, 11th September 2025, which will explore how Christian engagement with Dharmic traditions can deepen relationships and promote the common good.
The series will conclude with a final national interfaith event at St. Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday, 23rd October 2025.
Anyone interested in attending the “Looking Back and Moving Forward: Lessons and Challenges for Muslim-Christian Relationships” event next Thursday is invited to register their interest by emailing abi.yendole@columbans.co.uk as soon as possible.
