Hindus Urge New Archbishop Of Canterbury To Promote Interfaith Dialogue

Congratulating Right Reverend Justin Welby, 56, on his nomination as the new 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Hindus hope that he would promote interfaith dialogue in the world.

Welby will assume the Church of England’s most senior position at a Canterbury Cathedral ceremony on March 21 next, replacing Dr. Rowan Douglas Williams who retires in December after ten years of service.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement today, urged Welby to pioneer interfaith dialogue working together with various world religions and denominations on issues facing the humanity, as serious and honest interfaith dialogue was the need of the hour. This dialogue might also help us vanquish the stereotypes, prejudices, caricatures, etc., passed on to us from previous generations, Zed added.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out, “Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines. Religions should at least work together on common religious concerns like peace-making and peace-keeping, social and economic development, freedom and human rights.”

About 1.7 million people take part in a Church of England (headquartered in London) service each month, 12 million people visit its cathedrals annually and it has over 19,500 licensed ministers. Her Majesty the Queen is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.