Missionaries of the Sacred

The Second Vatican Council opened the way for dialog with the other Christian and non Christian religions of the world.  Dialog is not polite argument or masked apologetics.  Dialog is based on the mutual recognition of the dignity of the participants.  Dialog begins with the recognition of common ground and shared values.  The partners in dialog first listen and then try to understand what the other is saying.  Almost always there is some surprise at just how much binds the two in common understanding and belief.  It often requires setting aside long-held assumptions of what the others were thought to be saying.  We go beyond semantics to discover the underlying facts and meaning.  Once the common ground has been established and the mutual respect firmly acknowledged, the parties are ready to take up the examination of the issues which still divide.  Both should be prepared to state clearly what they believe and hold, even knowing that this is not what the other affirms.  This is honesty, and honesty is a quality of respect for another.  The differences should be examined without rancor and hostility.  Perhaps they will discover a way to come closer or to set aside some elements which are not substantive to the fundamental position.  Perhaps they will discover a genuine difference of conviction which must simply be respected.  It is in the area of dialog that a commitment to recognizing religious freedom begins to bear fruit.