When believers meet

The Theological Commission of the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations launches a study guide on interreligious dialogue.



The study guide approaches interreligious dialogue with an open mind, instead of jumping to dogmatic and unequivocal conclusions. With concrete examples as a starting point, readers are invited to reflect on what meeting people with different beliefs can mean for their own and the others' theology and praxis. 
 
Three main chapters consider three central issues: mixed marriages, prayer and religious symbols. Each chapter begins with a characteristic story and ends with questions for further reflection and discussion. On the basis of the story, light is shed on both practical and theological issues that are worth thinking about. The intention is that discussion of specific cases can throw light on more general issues.
 
Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the Council, welcomes the study guide and invite congregations to use it as a resource. When believers meet  is theological in the sense that it is based on the Bible and on Christian tradition, and that it seeks to contribute to further reflection on the church's terms. Fykse Tveit underlines that even though the study guide is intended for readers who belong to the Church of Norway, it is to be hoped that Christians of other traditions in other parts of the world also will be inspired by some of the arguments.

• Download the study guide here (pdf)
  
• Also read the guiding principles for interreligious relations adopted by the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations February 11 2008