Missionaries of Africa, Jinja

For a long t ime religions have been perceived to be consultants on matters pertaining peace in our States. However, with this era the cup seems to have turned upside down pouring honey which was source of sweetness. This aspect is losing its meaning from day to day with religions remaining to be more of political arena chasing after their opponents. It goes beyond my expectations to think of conflict among those who are expected to be elements and preacher of peace. The big question for reflection remains, what will happen when the predator becomes the prey of the prey? This is a call for both religious leaders and the followers to read the signs of time and make a step towards transformation. This leads me to question our motivations of following Christ as Christians in the first place. St. Paul in his first letter to Corinthians is categorical about the slogans that “I am for Paul, I am for Apollos, I am for Cephas, or I am for Christ” (1Corinthia...

Whenever people hear about ecumenism or inter- faith dialogue certain feelings and quizzical moods begin to be felt. Certainly, a good section of people who experience anxieties with these concepts are not aware of what they mean and their purpose. There are a lot of fears that are felt by those who are assigned or rather find themselves in this mission. Great figures in the Catholic faith like Blessed John Paul II, in his Encyclical letter, ‘ Redemptoris Missio’   addressed the issues concerning interreligious dialogue, The Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, made tireless trips across the continents in the effort of preaching oneness and benevolence   in distinguished religions. Finally, a singular figure comes in to enhance and propel this mission, His Holiness Pope Francis I, following his sentiments on this, ‘ecumenism is not an option’ but an obligation, religion is “All for one and one for all”.   He slashes out enmity within religions by saying that, “When there is no e...