Ever since the dawn of civilization, people have looked into their respective religions for answers to the unsolved riddles and mysteries of human existence. Until today, there is still found among different peoples, a certain awareness of a hidden power, which lies behind the course of Nature and the events of human life. At the same time, they also recognize the existence of a supreme being.
The awareness and recognition results in a way of life that is imbued with a deep religious sense. In many civilizations, religions endeavor to answer some of these questions to calm the hearts of peoples by outlining a program of life-covering doctrines, moral precepts and sacred rites. Our Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all humankind.
“We are all creatures of God. Hence, we belong to one community and share one common destiny – God - His providence, evident goodness and saving designs.”
Relations with Non-Christian Religion (Vatican II, Nostra Eetate, 28.10.65)
Vatican II has changed the way the Catholic Church viewed other religions. Since then, inter-religious dialogue is now viewed as an integral part of the Church’s mission. In the local context, inter-religious dialogue and Ecumenism has been identified as one of the key priorities of the Church in Peninsular Malaysia since the Aggiornamento 1976. The importance of this ministry has been confirmed in the subsequent 3 Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Conventions and continues to be a pressing need in our pluralistic Malaysian society.
The Archdiocesan ministry was initiated by our Grace Archbishop Ermeritus Soter Fernandez who saw the need for promoting inter-religious and ecumenical understanding, peace and harmony in a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country like Malaysia. People of all religions know far too little about one another; above all, they know far too little about what all religious and ethnical traditions have in common.
The objectives of Parish Ministry for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Affairs (PMEIA) are as follows:
PMEIA was established in Holy Family Kajang in 2006 by the then Parish Priest, Rev Fr Julian Leow. Various programs and activities have been organized including:
PMEIA aims to provide programs and activities in line with our objectives and we encourage you to participate actively. This will help you to explore the fascinating world of religions so you may have a better grasp of the importance of their ethical messages for our present-day society. More importantly, your participation will work towards building the Kingdom of Justice and Peace for our good Lord, Jesus Christ.
Let us continue to follow and carry out the mandated mission of our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations by sharing the Word and our Banquet through inter-religious dialogue with those at the crossroads. It is the fervent desire that through inter-religious dialogue and ecumenical programs we shall strive to promote and attain peace, harmony, mutual understanding and respect among the people of Malaysia as well as to foster unity among all our Christian brothers and sisters.
Kindly contact:
Hema Sundram
emma6659@gmail.com
012-3299691