Commission for Ecumenism & Dialogue
To foster Christian unity and respectful dialogue with believers of other religions in our richly pluralistic region.
The diocese covers largely migrant Catholic population and situated within a religiously plural context where Catholics are a minority, the Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-Faith Dialogue seeks to foster a spirit of encounter, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. Guided by the vision of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, the Commission is committed to strengthening Christian unity and promoting meaningful collaboration among various Christian denominations present in the region.
At the same time, it aims to nurture constructive interreligious dialogue with followers of Hinduism, Sikhism, and other faith traditions, encouraging shared initiatives that uphold justice, peace, and human dignity. Through formation programmes, awareness initiatives, and grassroots engagement at parish and diocesan levels, the Commission envisions building a synodal Church rooted in communion, participation, and mission. By deepening Catholic identity while promoting dialogue and collaboration, the Commission strives to contribute to social harmony and inclusive community building in North India.
Programmatic Strategies
Short Term
2026-2028
Foundation- Form and operationalize a Diocesan Ecumenical Core Team.
- Initiate annual training (spiritual + human formation) for commission members.
- Begin ecumenical awareness programs and basic teachings.
- Organize at least 1–2 dialogue meetings per deanery annually.
- Launch joint prayer initiatives and observe Christian Unity Octave.
- Start small-scale joint social outreach programs.
- Establish and strengthen Interreligious Dialogue Teams at diocesan/deanery levels.
- Initiate basic interfaith dialogue meetings (at least 1 per year per deanery).
- Build relationships with leaders of other faiths through regular interactions.
- Conduct orientation and awareness programs on interreligious harmony.
- Start small joint initiatives for peace and social cohesion.
Medium Term
2029-2031
Strengthening- Train and deploy ecumenical ambassadors in all deaneries.
- Ensure regular (2+) ecumenical dialogue meetings annually per deanery.
- Strengthen structured formation programs (retreats, leadership training).
- Expand joint social outreach (health, education, charity) at diocesan & deanery levels.
- Increase parish-level participation in ecumenical activities (at least 50%).
- Institutionalize annual programs and collaborations.
- Organize regular interreligious dialogue programs (minimum 2 annually per deanery).
- Expand collaborative social harmony projects (peace, environment, community welfare).
- Increase participation of parishes (around 30%) in interfaith initiatives.
- Strengthen structured engagement platforms with other religions.
- Promote youth and community involvement in interfaith activities.
Long Term
2032-2033+
Sustainability- Achieve full functioning ecumenical structures across the diocese.
- Ensure active participation of majority of parishes in ecumenical initiatives.
- Sustain annual joint pastoral, social, and prayer programs.
- Develop ongoing leadership and formation systems for all coordinators.
- Foster deep-rooted culture of Christian unity, dialogue, and collaboration.
- Establish long-term partnerships with other Christian communities.
- Ensure sustained interreligious collaboration across the diocese.
- Achieve active parish-level participation in interfaith dialogue and initiatives.
- Institutionalize annual interfaith programs and partnerships.
- Build a culture of peace, harmony, and mutual respect among religions.
- Develop long-term collaborative networks with other faith communities.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES & KPIs