BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha joined more than 50 Hindu and Christian organizations from across Europe for a meeting at the Vatican on May 2, 2023.
The meeting was organized by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a department of the Roman Catholic Church, in collaboration with the Hindu Forum of Europe, the Italian Hindu Union and the World Council of Churches.
Other Hindu organizations from across Europe that participated in the meeting included, among others, Chinmay Mission, Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Omkarananda Ashram, Matha Gitananda Ashram, Hindu Federation of Spain, Swiss Federation of Hinduism and the Hindu Forum of Luxembourg.
This was the first meeting of its kind in which representatives of faith groups discussed how Hindu-Christian relations in Europe have evolved over time. They spoke about ways to work together on important issues that promote human well-being, drawing on the Vedic wisdom of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the whole world is one family) and Pope Francis’ letter “ Fratelli Tutti” (all brothers and sisters). , to guide Hindus and Christians towards a more inclusive and collaborative approach in Europe.
Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot (Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue) delivered the inaugural address, followed by insightful speeches from Dr. Lakshmi Vyas (President of the Hindu Forum of Europe), Paramhansa Yoganand Giri (President of the Hindu Union Italian) and Professor Jerry Pillay (General Secretary of the World Council of Churches).
Other presenters included leaders, representatives and scholars of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), speaking in English or Italian, exploring deeper perspectives of their respective religious communities.
Paramtattvadas Swami, a BAPS scholar serving in the UK and Europe, was invited to speak on the theme “Diversity of religions and cultures: a gift and a wealth – a Hindu perspective” in an online presentation. He was inspired by the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Vedas, the Upanishads, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Purva Mimamsa and Vaisheshika Darshan, as well as Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Nitin Palan, BAPS manager for interfaith relations in Europe, attended the meeting in person. Sharing his thoughts, he said, “It was a pleasure to join our friends from Hindu and Christian organizations to discuss and promote the noble vision of interfaith harmony. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj encouraged, “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, let us reach out and expand the circle of global harmony. » It was a useful platform to explore and celebrate the spiritual thread of unity that connects us all.
