Christians and Taoists
together confront today’s ethical crisis
 |
| Taoist Temple. |
Christians and Taoists scholars meeting in Singapore release
a Final Statement containing 7 points of convergence after participating the
Second Christian-Taoist Colloquium.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
“Christian and Taoist Ethics in Dialogue” framed the Second
Christian-Taoist Colloquium held in Singapore from 5-7 November. Seventy
Christian and Taoist scholars from Singapore and China, France, South Korea,
Malaysia, Switzerland, Taiwan and the Vatican participated. Both the Word
Council of Churches and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference were
represented. At the end of the Colloquium, participants released a Final
Statement in which they number 7 points of convergence.
In dialogue regarding ethics
The Colloquium focused on various topics related to the
ethical crisis in today’s world. It was approached through the lens of social
institutions, spirituality, global ethics, fostering a harmonious society, and
prospects for future Christian-Taoist dialogue.
Points of convergence
Seven points of agreement are listed in the Final Statement.
First is the acknowledgement that the Colloquium itself strengthened bonds of
friendship. The two groups share concerns and hopes and reaffirm the common
basic teaching “to do good and avoid evil”. They recognize that today’s ethical
crisis requires the rediscovery of basic universal values which, they believe,
can be addressed by both religious traditions. Of primary importance in
spiritual and moral formation is the family “where today’s youth can learn to
shape tomorrow’s world into a better place”. Lastly, “interpersonal and
scholarly exchanges” are helpful in order to collaborate to “shape the ethical
frameworks needed for the common good of this and future generations”.
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