Buddhist Christian Colloquia in Historical Perspective.

8th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium

“Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience”

May 26–29, 2025 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia

In Nostra Aetate (1965), the Catholic Church expressed deep respect for other religions, recognizing in Buddhism a noble spiritual path offering “perfect liberation” and awakening awareness of impermanence and suffering in the world. Inspired by this vision, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has supported a historic series of Buddhist-Christian Colloquia, offering space for mutual understanding and collaboration.

These international colloquia bring together Buddhist and Christian monks, priests, nuns, scholars, and practitioners to reflect on shared spiritual and ethical values. In dialogue, they explore how both traditions can contribute to the healing of wounded societies, the restoration of human dignity, and the advancement of justice and compassion in a world marked by violence and fragmentation.

The Buddhist-Christian Colloquia began in 1995 with the groundbreaking first gathering in Taiwan, centered on “Buddhism and Christianity – Convergence and Divergence,” which laid the foundation for ongoing interreligious dialogue. In the years that followed, themes such as silence and the Word (India, 1998), community life (Japan, 2000), inner peace and global harmony (Rome, 2013), fraternity (India, 2015), and nonviolence (Taiwan, 2017) shaped the conversations. After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7th Colloquium was held in 2023 in Thailand, focusing on “Karunā and Agape in Dialogue for Healing a Wounded Humanity and the Earth,” emphasizing compassion, love, and ecological healing in a post-pandemic world.

The 8th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, continues this journey under the theme “Buddhists and Christians Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience.” This event seeks to deepen mutual understanding and discern how our respective scriptures, teachings, and living witnesses can respond to the deep wounds of our world with healing, resilience, and shared commitment to peace.  

The Cambodian context adds special depth to this colloquium. The life and legacy of Maha Ghosananda, a revered late monk known as the “Gandhi of Cambodia,” embody the power of nonviolence and spiritual resilience in the face of profound suffering. His inspiring teachings through the Dhammayietra (Peace Walks) continue to guide interfaith efforts for peace, compassion, and reconciliation.

Also central to Cambodia’s voice for peace is Mr. Tun Channareth, a Catholic activist and 1997 Nobel Peace Prize recipient for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Sr. Denise Coghlan, his colleague and mentor at the Reflection Center in Siem Reap, will share his journey from landmine survivor to global advocate for justice and disarmament.

By fostering respectful dialogue and spiritual solidarity, the 8th Colloquium invites participants to renew their commitment to peacebuilding and strengthen interreligious collaboration for a better world.

Download as PDF: 👉 Khmer Translation