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Guidelines for Interfaith Events & Dialogue

The Church of Ireland’s Guidelines for Interfaith Events and Dialogue are available for clergy, and other leaders in dioceses and parishes, to consult when considering how best to approach relationships with people who follow other world religions.

The Guidelines – which were first published in 2007 – are produced by by the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue (through its Inter Faith Working Group) and the House of Bishops, and are underpinned by five principles emphasising the importance of:

  • respecting humanity as being made in the image and likeness of God;
  • creating and developing relationships and understanding;
  • freedom of religious expression as a fundamental human right;
  • dialogue for enhancing peace and justice, and respecting the dignity of creation;
  • respect for the Christian faith as part of true dialogue and integrity.

The 20–page booklet provides general guidance for occasions when people of other faiths and their leaders are invited to join with members of the Church of Ireland, in the life of our churches (or at events of local or national importance), before discussing several issues for Christians to consider in inter–faith encounters.

Practical guidance is given in relation to situations presented in the contexts of marriage, Baptism, Holy Communion, funerals, church festivals and special services, the festivals of other faiths, community events, hospital chaplaincy, and dealing with objections.

 

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