Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Participates in World Interfaith Harmony Week

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The World Interfaith Harmony Week was inaugurated at Santhigiri Ashram, with an earnest call for unity and mutual respect among religions. The event, held on Saturday, saw the participation of esteemed representatives, including His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Eusebius, Bishop of Parassala, representing the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

In his inaugural address, Bishop Thomas Mor Eusebius reflected on the limitations of human perspective that often lead to divisions. “Our challenge is to build unity from a state of disunity,” he remarked, emphasising that Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru, the founder of Santhigiri Ashram, had envisioned religious harmony and cooperation as a foundation for peace. “The problem arises when individuals regard their viewpoint as superior and dismiss others. This mindset must change for genuine interfaith understanding to flourish,” the Bishop said, echoing the Church’s commitment to ecumenism and dialogue.

Insights from History and Theology

The keynote address was delivered by M G Shashibhushan, historian and author, who drew on the Harappan civilisation to highlight India’s long-standing tradition of compassion and harmony. He described India’s culture as one that has always embraced giving and receiving, fostering an openness to diverse beliefs.

Representing the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kulangara spoke on the shared truths across religions. “The light of supreme truth manifests uniquely in each faith,” he observed, affirming the Church’s view that mutual respect and dialogue are essential to strengthening interfaith relationships.

A Collaborative Gathering for Harmony

The event was graced by Swami Chaitanya Jnana Thapaswi, president of Santhigiri Ashram, and Janani Kripa Jnana Thapaswini, head of Santhigiri Atma Vidyalayam, who welcomed the gathering with warmth and goodwill. The occasion concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Brahmachari Satprabha M P, marking a successful effort in fostering dialogue and understanding.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s Commitment to Dialogue

The participation of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in this event underscores its enduring commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and inspired by the legacy of Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios, who championed unity and reconciliation.

As the Church continues to engage with communities of different faiths, such occasions strengthen the bonds of mutual respect and shared values, offering a pathway toward lasting harmony in a diverse world.