Interfaith Activities

IOJ has affiliated itself to national and international interfaith and major faith organisations. It participates regularly in their activities.

Tags: Interfaith Activities
Parliament of the World’s Religions

IoJ became a member of the Council of World Parliament of Religions and actively sought participation in the Parliamentary sessions by the International Jain communities. Jain have attended the two parliamentary sessions – in 1993 and 2000.

Interfaith Dialogue with the Vatican

At the invitation of the Vatican, in February 1995, IoJ organised the visit of representatives of the Jain community to the Vatican for an Interfaith Dialogue and an audience with H H Pope John Paul II. This meeting has resulted in cooperation and exchange visits of Christian monks and nuns with their Jain counterparts in India. Regular contacts have been maintained with the Vatican. Greetings are exchanged with the Vatican on festive occasions. Invitations are received from the Vatican for their major functions and in most cases these have been honoured.

His Holiness Welcoming Dr Singhvi
His Holiness Welcoming Dr Singhvi

Since last two years, Vatican has been requesting papers from Jain faith for presentation to international delegates. Papers presented by Jain representative have been well received and have created both awareness and interest in the faith. Similarly, papers are now being requested by other organisations. Some of these are quoted at LINK.

Alliance of Religions and Conservation Summit

  • In April 1995, IoJ participated in the Alliance of Religions and Conservation Summit held at Atami, Japan and at Windsor, UK. The latter summit was presided over by H R H Prince Philip.
  • In 1998, Alliance of Religions and Conservation held their summit in Khatmandu which was again attended by IoJ Trustees.
  • In 2002, Alliance of Religions and Conservation arranged a ‘Celebration of Creation’ to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II at St James palace. IoJ described the Jain’s gift to humanity – the building of the village of Ladakpur and presented the Chitrabhanu’s composition ‘Maitri Bhavnu Pavitra Zarnu’ with its meaning described in English.

Interfaith Activities in the UK

  • IoJ participated in an interfaith exhibition organised by Harrow schools in 1994.
  • IoJ coordinated the planning of the Jain section of the faith zone in the Millenium Dome. IoJ became the first organisation to arrange a cultural program at the Dome by arranging the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations in the year 2000. Over 1,800 Jains and non Jains watched the program.