Statement In Support of Cooperative Faiths

In this time when so many are divided by politics and mere perceptions, we seek to lift up and magnify those who work to find common ground, as well as those who celebrate our differences. Ours is a pluralistic society and we gain nothing by vilifying those who did not believe, vote or worship as we do.

Recently revealed comments by an elected official were stunning in just how misguided and unfortunate they were in their tone and substance. They have no place in a city, state, and nation that needs desperately to heal.

In Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, his Holiness writes “the different religions, based on their respect for each human person as a creature called to be a child of God, contribute significantly to building fraternity and defending justice in society. Dialogue between the followers of different religions does not take place simply for the sake of diplomacy, consideration or tolerance. In the words of the Bishops of India, ‘the goal of dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and harmony, and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of truth and love.’ ”271

To help Indiana experience a true peace and harmony, elected officials are encouraged to have a spirit open to dialogues that respect all religions. The Pope also writes that “Working to overcome our divisions without losing our identity as individuals presumes that a basic sense of belonging is present in everyone. Indeed, “society benefits when each person and social group feels truly at home.” Indiana should be a place where all, regardless of religion, feel at home. Supporting this proposition is the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, which also has the goal of strengthening the community in central Indiana and beyond by promoting and fostering fraternal connections among faith communities. The Center for Interfaith Cooperation along with the Indiana Catholic Conference, the public policy voice for the Catholic Church in Indiana, ask Hoosiers to join in peace and solidarity with their brothers and sisters of all faiths and seek ways to reject division and instead unite.