Theological Background:

The Church established by Jesus Christ is Holy, One, Catholic and Apostolic. Jesus has prayed that all may be one. Jesus wished for the unity of his followers to be as one flock and one shepherd. The Church in her dimension of being human and institutional has suffered fragmentations of her followers along the course of the history. However much endeavor has been put for reconciliation and unity among the Christian in the context of Ecumenism. Man is a religious being ( cf: Catechism of The Catholic Church). The image of God is imprinted in all human beings. Though different in faith affiliation and belonging, all men on earth are the children of God. Blessed are the pure in hearts, they shall see God ( cf: Matt ). Mean of all religions are seeking the same Absolute ( God). This interfaith dialogue and collaboration is encouraged by the Catholic Church to promote peace and harmony among all the people on earth.

Commission functioning in the diocese:

The ecumenical movement was initiated in the diocese from its establishment. The ecumenical week of prayers in the month of January is observed in Pathein city where prayers services are conducted in respective Christian Churches. The interfaith dialogue movement was not very evident in the last decades in the life of the diocese. However with changes in of the political climate of the country, the demands of the more collaboration and understanding among the religions, this interfaith dialogue movement started functioning in the diocese in recent years.

Focus Areas  :     

●      Interfaith

●      Ecumenism

Objectives:

●       To enhance  harmony and peace among the religions through working together in prayer events, charitable works, interreligious meetings

●       To promote peace and unity by doing human development initiatives among people of different faiths without discriminations

●       To strengthen intra faith formation through teaching our Catholic faithful basic Bible studies  and Catechism