The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo has charged the members of the Diocesan Commission of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue to be focused and sincere in their representations of the teachings of the Catholic Church in their various parishes across the diocese.

In his remark, the bishop noted that the importance of the commission and its activities cannot be over emphasized. He said, “As Lights of the World, we must be ready to share our faith, especially by the example of our lives, share the reason for our belief in Jesus Christ, profess it and be open to learn about other people’s faith as well.” 

The Bishop further reminded the participants that, faiths interacting with one another can combine to become a powerful force for fraternity, social friendship and progress in society for the purpose of peaceful, progressive co-existence in the world.

For us Catholics, the purpose of interfaith dialogue is understanding and cooperation with people of non-Christian religions. The Bishop expressed his delight for the good number of participants at the seminar and thanked the coordinators of the commission, Rev Fr Joseph Ogundipe (Interreligious Dialogue) and Rev Fr Alexander Onifade (Ecumenism). 

And in a special way, Very Rev. Fr Cyriaque Mounkoro M.Afr who supported the programme financially calling on people of goodwill to help the diocese in her quest for peaceful co-existence. The Bishop, while expressing his joy for the presence of the invited panelists; Chief Emmanuel Lashilola, Barrister Olusola Sulayman (FIDA) represented by Bushra Ghazel and Chief Kehinde Abimbola (Ifa Heritage) also gave kudos to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his efforts of maintaining peace and order in Oyo State.

The two day seminar which began on Friday 11th and concluded on Saturday 12th, October 2024 had in attendance Oyo diocesan commission members of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue. It is an annual ongoing formation programme organised for members in line with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan of 2020-2030. It gives members the opportunity to assess their activities, study Church’s documents that concern the commission and propose activities for the coming year. 

This year, the document Fratelli Tutti (the vision of Pope Francis for Interreligious Dialogue) in line with its importance for Muslims as seen from the works of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb was discussed and amongst members. Earlier on, Rev Fr Joseph Ogundipe while welcoming members thanked them for the journey so far and reminded members that after 15 years of active Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, the commission must jerk up on its activities. 

In this line, he reminded members that it is very important that members are faithful to the teachings of the church as far as ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue is concerned. Fr Ogundipe opined that while many represent the church, it is important that we say exactly what the church teaches.

For example, there is the general notion that the church says ecumenism and interreligious dialogue is the same as “all churches are the same” Statements like this can be misleading as confusing for many who are not learned enough in the teachings of the church on such, the reason while many feel that ecumenism and interreligious dialogue water down the authority of the church. 

Fr Ogundipe also expressed the commission’s gratitude to the Bishop; Most rev Emmanuel Badejo whom he described as “Dialogue Bishop” for his support and personal commitment to the commission. He also thanked in a very special Rev Fr Cyriaque Mounkoro M.Afr for his personal financial support and love for the commission.

The seminar which had about 45 persons in attendance featured different discussions on the challenges and prospects of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue and the need to continue its activities in Oyo diocese where only less than 4.5% of over 4,000,000 inhabitants are Catholics. In his closing remarks, the Bishop appealed to everyone to be true agents of sincere and honest dialogue and invite others to do so, noting that every small effort goes a long way in building peace and fraternal charity.