Towards a code of conduct on conversionA May 2006 multifaith hearing on conversion organized by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the WCC affirmed that "while everyone has a right to invite others to an understanding of their faith, it should not be exercised by violating other's rights and religious sensibilities... all should heal themselves from the obsession of converting others". "We acknowledge," the consultation report continued, "that errors have been perpetrated and injustice committed by the adherents of every faith... self-criticism and repentance should lead to necessary reforms inter alia on the issue of conversion". With the goal of establishing a code of conduct on conversion, this activity will bring Christians from various denominations and theological traditions - the WCC constituency, the Roman Catholic Church, Evangelical and Pentecostal churches - together to discuss approaches and limitations on the conflictual issue of conversion and changes of affiliation in a religiously plural world. This process, for which the WCC and the Vatican are jointly responsible, began formally in 2006 and is to end in 2009. Theologians, missiologists, clergy and people involved in dialogue from all parts of the world will participate in the consultation.
|
