Two hundred representatives of the chief religions of the world will assemble at the Vatican in order to discuss how to counteract the cultural and social crisis of the age and to explore new avenues of co-operation. It is the Pontifical Council of the Vatican for inter-religious dialogue that will organise this meet from 24th to 28th October this year.

"All believers must acknowledge that the streams of religious thought enriched by a sublime vision and outlook, cast light on practical life. Only these visions can find a remedy for the problems of society. This co-operation must succeed through a change of heart"- so said the chairman of the council, Cardinal Arinse at a news conference.
 
 

Christians living in the Asian continent which is a confluence of various cultures and religions, must attentively study other religions and the teaching of the Church regarding them, said the spokesman of the Asian Bishops' Conference. "While studying the beliefs, customs and principles of other religions, they must also compulsorily know what the Church has to say about other religions," stated John Manath Chuvambesmai, the Bishop of Thailand, at the meeting held at the International Ecumenical Institute.
 
 

Muringoor: Nearly 300 priests and nuns from different parts of the globe participated in the International retreat held from July 25th to 31st , at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor. The retreat programme was organised to prepare priests and members of religious congregations to lead the Church to renewal in the new millennium. There were participants from different states of India and from countries like Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.

Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil VC, Fr. Augustine Vallooran VC, Fr. Jose Vettiankal V.C, Fritz Mascarenhas and Advocate A.M. Mathew directed the retreat.
 
 

Nine hundred years have sped by after the demolition of the walls of Jerusalem by those who fought against the Turks. In order to reinstate the broken relationship and to ask pardon for the cruelties inflicted years ago, a large group of people surrounded the city of Jerusalem. They bore placards instead of arms with the words "Forgive us". For the citizens of Jerusalem, who have been bearing the grief and pain of the Crusades, this was a new experience. The chairman of the International Reconciliation Committee, Linn Green, gave leadership to this reconciliation service.