Bridging Faiths: Uniting Through Dialogue in Porto – KAICIID’s Network for Dialogue Supported Initiative
On the International Day of Human Fraternity, dated 4th of February, a historic event unfolded in the heart of Porto, drawing together 150 participants in a vivid demonstration of interfaith dialogue and unity. The event, titled ‘Bridges of Faith,’ was a landmark occasion that transcended religious boundaries. Organized by MEERU | Abrir Caminho (Portugal) and the Blanquerna Observatory on Media, Religion and Cultures (Spain) and supported by The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID, through its Network for Dialogue, 'Bridges of Faith' brought together leaders and communities from the Abrahamic faiths in a celebration of shared values and mutual respect.
Three renowned religious leaders attended this gathering, including Khalid Sacoor D. Jamal, a reputable icon within the Islamic community of Lisbon; Rui Santiago, a Portuguese Catholic priest and Redemptorist missionary; and Yoel Zekri, a Rabbi from the Porto Jewish Community. Their conversation, moderated by the esteemed Portuguese journalist José António Pereira, delved into their personal stories, shared concerns, and collective hopes for the future.
Participants were exposed to thought-provoking discussions that transcended theological dimensions while addressing the pressing issues of religious fundamentalism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the potential for monotheism to foster a universal sense of brotherhood and peace. Each of the speakers brought a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of deep self-knowledge, mutual respect, and understanding across different religious traditions.
Quotes from the event reflected the depth and breadth of the dialogue, with Rui Santiago lamenting the missed opportunities to emphasize the unifying aspects of monotheism while Khalid Jamal highlighted the need for a humanistic approach to resolving conflicts. Yoel Zekri shared poignant anecdotes underscoring the value of unity and respect among different faiths, illustrating how these principles are essential for meaningful interfaith dialogue.
In reflecting on the essence of dialogue among the three Abrahamic faiths, Yoel Zekri shared a poignant narrative from his childhood, underscoring the universal quest for truth and the virtue of unity. 'When I was a child, I posed a question to my teacher, driven by an earnest desire to understand the truth among our diverse religious landscapes,' Yoel said. 'I was curious to know, amidst Christians, Muslims, and Jews, which path was the correct one. My youthful mind thought, if one is right, then that's the path I should follow.' He recounted how his teacher chose not to provide a direct answer but instead offered a parable that would leave a lasting impression on him. 'She spoke of a father with three sons, each excelling in different endeavors, all believing they brought the most joy to their father. Yet, in the father's final moments, he revealed that true happiness stemmed not from their individual achievements but from their unity and presence together.' Yoel's voice carried a weight of wisdom as he concluded, 'This story mirrors our shared reality in the monotheistic traditions. It's a profound reminder that our Creator values not the minutiae that often divide us but our ability to engage in respectful dialogue and to cherish our collective bond.'"
By facilitating and supporting such events, KAICIID underscores its dedication to fostering environments where religious and cultural communities can engage in dialogue, enhance understanding, and collaborate towards a more peaceful and inclusive world. This event, emblematic of KAICIID's mission and implemented through the Network for Dialogue microgrant scheme for collaborative projects across Europe, showcased the potential of interfaith dialogue to create spaces of harmony and understanding. It was not just a discussion but a vibrant celebration of human fraternity, marked by an atmosphere of openness, respect and sincerity.
