Catholics, Buddhists and Hindus recently met in Rome to strike a “pact” on behalf of the earth, “our precious house of life,” in the common concern to defend it from the threats of a rapidly-changing climate, exploitative lifestyles and economic systems that result in suffering populations, poverty and forced migrations.
The one-day interfaith meeting, centered on this common commitment to the environment, was entitled What is the future of our common home? Interreligious experiences and reflections on human beings and the environment. The event was coordinated by the Italian Episcopal Conference’s Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Italian Buddhist Union and the Italian Hindu Union.
The “power idea” behind the initiative was to determine how Catholics, Buddhists and Hindus can unite around this “golden thread” that runs through all three faiths through dialogue centered on attention and respect for the environment and for the dignity of the human being in it.