‘There Are No Other Religions, Only Our Neighbors’ Religions,’ Says Bangladesh’s Top Prelate

As the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) opens later on July 20 in Jakarta, Archbishop Bejoy Nicephorus D'Cruze, OMI, of Dhaka, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, has called on the Church in Asia to deepen its commitment to interreligious dialogue, saying other faiths should be viewed not as "other religions" but as "the religions of our neighbors."

In a video message shared with Radio Veritas Asia ahead of the assembly, Archbishop D'Cruze reflected on the plenary theme, "Call to Synodal Conversion and Mission to be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia," describing it as especially relevant for a continent marked by religious and cultural diversity.

“It is a very befitting theme for Asia,” Archbishop D'Cruze said. “The Church is called to be a Church of communion, participation, and mission, listening to others, working together, and building bridges among faiths, cultures, and traditions.”

For Bangladesh, where Muslims comprise about 90 percent of the population and Christians account for less than one percent, the call to become bridge-builders is not merely a pastoral vision but a daily reality, he said.

“In the context of Bangladesh, dialogue and respect for other religions are essential to create understanding, friendship, cooperation, and harmony,” Archbishop D'Cruze said.

According to the archbishop, the Church's understanding of other faiths has evolved significantly over the years.

“Now the time has come to discover the goodness and the presence of the Holy Spirit in other religions,” he said.

He added, “Other religions should not be strange to us, but should be considered the religions of our neighbors.”

Drawing on the Gospel's commandment to love one's neighbor, Archbishop D'Cruze said genuine Christian witness requires respect for the beliefs of others.

“The concept of neighbor is very rich and important for Christians,” he said. “We cannot love our neighbor if we do not respect the religion of our neighbor.”

The archbishop pointed to Catholic educational institutions in Bangladesh as practical examples of bridge-building. Although the majority of students belong to other faiths, he said, schools foster friendships that transcend religious differences and help create mutual respect from an early age.

Reflecting on the wider significance of the FABC gathering, Archbishop D'Cruze said, “FABC is a meeting place where we can learn from each other. Asia is the continent of many religions and cultures. We can renew our commitment to interreligious dialogue and together build better models.”

Looking beyond the week-long gathering in Jakarta, Archbishop D'Cruze expressed hope that Asia's experience of religious diversity could become a gift to the universal Church and the wider world.

“One day,” he said, “Asia can offer to the world a model of peaceful and fraternal coexistence.”

The FABC's 12th Plenary Assembly will reflect on how the Church can strengthen communion, participation, and mission while responding to the diverse realities of the continent.