"The future lies in the coexistence respectful of diversity, not in the approval of a single, theoretically neutral way of thinking". Hence, "it becomes essential to recognise the fundamental right to religious freedom in all its dimensions."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The dialogue with other religions involves "remaining steadfast in one's deepest convictions, clear and joyful in one's own identity" in order to overcome the mistrust that exist between believers of different faiths and the fear that secular society feels towards the religion. "The future lies in the respectful coexistence of diversity, not in the acceptance of a single, theoretically neutral way of thinking. Therefore, it becomes essential to recognise the fundamental right to religious freedom in all its dimensions."

The audience with participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue on the theme 'Members of different religious traditions in society' gave Pope Francis an opportunity to reiterate today the bases of dialogue between faiths and even with those who do not believe.

"The Catholic Church," the pope said, "is aware of the value entailed in the promotion of friendship and respect between men and women of different religious traditions. We realise its importance more and more, both because the world is, in some way, 'smaller', and because the process of migration increases contacts among individuals and communities of different tradition, culture, and religion."

Francis went on to state that "in the world, there is no shortage of contexts in which coexistence is difficult. Often political or economic factors overlap with cultural and religious differences, coupled with misunderstandings and mistakes from the past. All this is likely to generate suspicion and fear. There is only one way to overcome this fear, and that is dialogue, the encounter marked by friendship and respect."

"Dialogue does not mean giving up one's identity when encountering others, nor does it mean making compromise on one's Christian faith and morality. Instead, 'True openness involves remaining steadfast in one's deepest convictions, clear and joyful in one's own identity' (Gaudium Evangelii, 251 ), hence we must be open to understand others, capable to respect human relations, convinced that the encounter with those who are different from us can be an opportunity for growth in brotherhood, enrichment and testimony. For this reason, interreligious dialogue and evangelisation are not mutually exclusive, but nurture each other. We do not impose anything, we do not use any underhand strategy to attract faithful, but we bear witness with joy and simplicity of what we believe in and what we are. Indeed, a meeting in which each puts aside what he believes in, pretending to give up what is most precious to him, would certainly not be a genuine relationship. In this case, one could speak of sham brotherhood. As disciples of Jesus, we must strive to overcome fear, and be always ready to take the first step, without letting ourselves be discouraged in the face of difficulties and misunderstandings."

"Constructive dialogue between people of different religious traditions also serves to overcome another fear, which, unfortunately, we find on the increase in highly secularised societies: the fear towards different religious traditions and towards the religious dimension as such. Religion is seen as something useless or even dangerous; sometimes, Christians are asked to give up their religious and moral convictions in order to exercise their profession."

"It is widely thought that coexistence is possible only hiding one's religious affiliation, meeting in a kind of neutral space, devoid of references to transcendence. On this too: How would it be possible to create true relationships, build a society that is genuinely shared home, by forcing people to put aside what each considers to be the most intimate part of their being? A lab-based brotherhood is not conceivable. Of course, it is necessary that everything be done respecting other people's beliefs, including those of people who do not believe, but we must have the courage and patience to meet each other for who we are. The future lies in the respectful coexistence of diversity, not in the acceptance of a single, theoretically neutral way of thinking. Therefore, it becomes essential to recognise the fundamental right to religious freedom in all its dimensions. The Church's Magisterium has spoken about it in recent decades with great diligence. We are convinced that this is the way to build peace in the world."

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