Religious Leaders Honor Archbishop Angelo Fernandes’ Legacy of Interfaith Dialogue in India

Religious leaders from across India's major faith traditions gathered on July 28 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes, celebrating his enduring legacy of interreligious dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding.

The interfaith gathering was held at St. Luke's Church in Defence Colony, New Delhi, India's capital, and was organized by the Ecumenism Commission of the Archdiocese of Delhi under the leadership of its director, Fr. Norbert, with the support of Fr. Jose T. J. Founded by Archbishop Fernandes in 1978, the parish served as a fitting venue to honor the late prelate, whose ministry was marked by his commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation among people of different faiths.

Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi attended the gathering, reaffirming the Catholic Church's commitment to promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among India's diverse religious communities.

Among the participants were Athar Sayeed of All India Radio; Maulana Shaheen Qasmi; BK Husain Bandi of the Brahma Kumaris; R. S. Grover; R. K. Kaushal of the Rahani Mission; Dr. A. K. Merchant representing the Bahá'í Faith; Rabbi Ezekiel Malekar of the Jewish community; Sanjay Jain representing the Jain community; Acharya Yeshi from the Buddhist tradition; senior journalist Prashant Kanojia; Fr. Susai Sebastian; Fr. M. D. Thomas; Jesuit Fr. Stanislaus Allah of Vidyajyoti College of Theology; A. C. Michael; former Delhi Sub-Divisional Magistrate S. P. Rai; along with priests, religious, and lay faithful.

The program began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the shared pursuit of wisdom, peace, and harmony. Representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Jain, Buddhist, Bahá'í, Brahma Kumaris, and Christian communities shared reflections on the importance of interreligious dialogue, emphasizing the common values of compassion, justice, respect, and service to humanity.

A highlight of the gathering was a presentation by Fr. Jose T. J. on the life and ministry of Archbishop Fernandes. Drawing on publications from Vidyajyoti College of Theology, he reflected on the late archbishop's commitment to education, institution-building, and dialogue, noting that his vision continues to inspire the Church's engagement with people of other faiths.

Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes (1913–2000) served as Archbishop of Delhi from 1967 to 1990. He participated in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council and later served as the founding president of the World Conference on Religion and Peace from 1970 to 1984. Throughout his ministry, he was widely recognized for advancing interreligious dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation in India and beyond.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relationships among faith communities through continued dialogue, collaborative service, and initiatives that promote peace and social harmony.

The Ecumenism Commission of the Archdiocese of Delhi also expressed gratitude to Fr. Umesh Ekka, parish priest of St. Luke's Church, and Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Suresh Babu for hosting the event and supporting its organization.

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to carry forward Archbishop Fernandes' vision of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among people of different faiths, reaffirming his lasting contribution to the Church and to India's tradition of interreligious harmony.