Committee for Interreligious Dialogue
The Scottish Bishops' Committee for Interreligious Dialogue exists to make Catholics and others aware of the importance of interreligious dialogue within the life of the Church. Enjoy browsing this site to discover more about the work of the Committee and how you might get involved.
Interfaith News & Events from the Scottish Bishops' Committee
Walking Together in Hope(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
Walking Together in Hope – Why the Catholic Church Engages in Interreligious Dialogue - Saturday 31 October 2026
Join the Committee for Interreligious Dialogue of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland for a special one-day conference exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how this can be lived out in our parishes and communities.
The day will include talks from Fr John Gannon, Fr Jim Lawlor and Joe Sikora, covering the history and importance of Nostra Aetate, the place of interreligious dialogue in parish life, and practical guidance for parishes wishing to take their first steps in this area.
There will also be opportunities for questions, discussion and reflection throughout the day.
Saturday 31 October 2026
Conforti Institute, Coatbridge
Arrivals from 9.30am
Free to attend
Light lunch provided
Register now: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ai8qdDPULb
Human Fraternity Conference 2026
Click here to read the report of our 2026 Conference
Nostra Aetate and Pope Leo(opens in new tab)
Nostra Aetate - 60th Anniversary -
Pope Leo Celebrates with Faith Leaders
Walking Together in Hope
At 'Walking Together in Hope", hosted by Pope Leo on 28th October, he underlined the importance of interreligious dialogue saying that with Nostra aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian Religions, “a seed of hope for interreligious dialogue was planted”.
“Today, your presence bears witness that this seed has grown into a mighty tree, its branches reaching far and wide, offering shelter and bearing the rich fruits of understanding, friendship, cooperation and peace.”
The Holy Father was addressing his remarks to representatives of world religions, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, and Vatican and Church officials committed to interreligious dialogue, who had gathered in the Paul VI Hall to celebrate the anniversary of the Council’s historic Declaration.
Read more about 'Walking together in Hope'.
Click here to watch 'Nostra Aetate - A Milestone'. (11 minutes)
Click here to open and read the text of Nostra Aetate.
Interreligious dialogue - fundamental to fostering a climate of peace(opens in new tab)
Image copyright Catholic Church of England & Wales, Flickr under Creative Commons 2 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
"I believe that religions and interreligious dialogue can make a fundamental contribution to fostering a climate of peace. This naturally requires full respect for religious freedom in every country, since religious experience is an essential dimension of the human person. Without it, it is difficult, if not impossible, to bring about the purification of the heart necessary for building peaceful relationships."
Pope Leo XIV
To Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See
16 May 2025