Confucian-Christian Colloquium Final Statement: Building a harmonious world

By Vatican News

“Authentic encounter does not erase differences, but instead deepens understanding, strengthens trust, and enriches us all”, reads the Final Statement of participants in the First Confucian-Christian Colloquium, held at Sogang University, in Seoul, South Korea, from 4 to 5 August.

The Colloquium, convened by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, together with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, the Confucian Academy of Korea (Sungkyunkwan) and Sogang University, brought together scholars, religious leaders, educators, and practitioners from Asia, Europe, and North America, to reflect together on the theme: “New Heaven, New Earth and Great Harmony/Great Unity): Confucian-Christian Dialogue for Building an Ideal Society”.

A voice for humanity’s aspirations

Among the speakers were Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; and his Secretary, Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage. In his remarks, Cardinal Koovakad explained that the value of dialogue lies in respecting fundamental differences while allowing each tradition to enrich and broaden the other’s horizon. He noted that the Christian vision and the Confucian ideal give voice to one of humanity’s deepest aspirations: that our shared life may be in harmony with a Way that is truly good and beautiful, with ethical justice, with peace, and with harmony. Echoing the Cardinal’s thoughts on the importance of dialogue, Monsignor Kankanamalage also expressed hope that Christians and Confucians will be able to face society’s many challenges together.

Through conversations held “in a spirit of friendship, hospitality, and mutual respect”, reads the Final Statement, released on Wednesday, 5 August, participants were able to recognize “a shared call to build a world of justice, respect, compassion, peace, and harmony”.

Though rooted in different traditions, Christians and Confucians discovered “a common aspiration to overcome division and foster a community where all can live together in dignity and care for one another”.

Shared values

The Final Statement goes on to list a number of values and convictions shared by the two traditions, despite their differing religious and philosophical foundations and their contrasting views on human fulfilment and society.

Among these are the beliefs that “personal transformation, ethical living, and care for others are the foundations of healthy families, communities, and societies”; that “a just and peaceful society depends on leadership rooted in integrity, humility, service, and concern for the common good”; that “care for the vulnerable, future generations, and our common home is both a moral and spiritual responsibility”; that “hope for a better world calls us to work together through the trials and imperfections of the present”; and that all technological progress must “actively enhance human dignity and ethical values”.

According to the statement, participants discussed a number of global issues, including social fragmentation, loneliness, forced migration, widening inequality, environmental degradation, war and discriminations and the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence. They concluded that “these challenges cannot be met by technology or economics alone; they require ethical wisdom, spiritual depth, a sense of community, and a renewed commitment to the dignity of every human person and the common good”.

In the document, participants call for ongoing Christian-Confucian collaboration through research, education, dialogue, and practical initiatives, and by “engaging young people and exploring together the ethical implications of emerging technologies”. They also renew their commitment to “deepen friendship and dialogue between Confucians and Christians”; to “promote societies rooted in compassion, justice, harmony, and shared responsibility”; and to “work together for the flourishing of humanity and the whole community of life”.

The statement concludes with participants’ pledge “to continue building a world where every person and every grassroots community can live in dignity, peace, hope, and harmony”.