Shaping a Culture of Encounter in a Fragmented World: Culture, Politics, and the Promise of Interreligious Dialogue

In a world threatened by religious animosities, political and cultural fragmentation, and ecological catastrophe, Pope Francis invites political, cultural, and interreligious leaders to collaborate in shaping a culture of encounter where all persons, religions, and cultures can share their treasures in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity. This presentation will suggest five areas where interreligious dialogue partners can work with political and cultural leaders in shaping a culture of encounter: Aesthetics, Academic Sharing, Spiritual Encounter, Concern for the World, and Friendship.

Leo D. Lefebure is the inaugural holder of the Matteo Ricci, S.J., Chair of Theology at Georgetown University. He is the author of the award-winning Transforming Interreligious Relations: Catholic Responses to Religious Pluralism in the United States. His other award-winning books include Revelation, the Religions, and Violence; True and Holy: Christian Scripture and Other Religions; Revelation, the Religions, and Violence, and The Path of Wisdom: A Christian Commentary on the Dhammapada, coauthored with Peter Feldmeier. Lefebure is the program chair of the American Theological Society, the past president of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies, a research fellow of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a trustee emeritus of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Moderator: Ayman Shabana

Location: 1D02, Georgetown University