Institute of Jainology highlights the role of ahimsa and interfaith dialogue in building a more compassionate world
Harrow, 20 October 2026: The Institute of Jainology (IOJ) brought the Jain principle of ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word and action, to the centre of a Jain–Christian conference at the Blue Room Venue in Harrow, exploring how faith communities can work together to promote peace.
Co-hosted by IOJ and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW), the conference addressed the theme, “Jains and Christians: Together to Promote ‘Ahimsa’ (Non-violence) for Peace in the World”. Speeches and panel discussions explored non-violence as a path to inner peace, interreligious dialogue and the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.
For Jains, participation in such dialogue is a practical expression of ahimsa, a principle at the heart of Jain faith and daily life. Respect for all living beings calls for care in personal conduct and in the choices that shape society. By sharing this perspective with other faith communities, Jains can contribute to wider efforts to reduce harm, respond peacefully to conflict and encourage compassion towards people and the natural world.
Interfaith dialogue builds the understanding and trust that make cooperation possible. Listening to different traditions helps communities challenge prejudice, discuss differences respectfully and identify shared responsibilities. For IOJ, these relationships provide a foundation for bringing Jain values into public discussion and working with others on challenges that cross religious and national boundaries.
The conference’s speakers and contributors included His Eminence Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham; Samani Pratibha Pragya, Jain nun and Visiting Professor at Florida International University; the Right Reverend Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark with responsibility for the Kent Area; and the Right Reverend Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham and Lead Catholic Bishop for Interreligious Dialogue.
Dr. Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the Institute of Jainology, delivered the opening keynote. Other speakers included Lord Krish Raval; Dr. Giulio Corsi, a researcher on artificial intelligence at the University of Cambridge; Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, university chaplain and member of CBCEW’s Department for Dialogue and Unity; Shandeep Shah of the Institute of Jainology; Elliot Vanstone, Senior Mission Adviser at CBCEW; and James Abbott, CBCEW’s Director of Communications.
Reflecting on Christianity and Jainism’s shared commitment to love and non-violence, Cardinal Koovakad said: “Our hopes and dreams for a peaceable world free of tensions, conflicts and violence can be achieved only through the path of dialogue, non-violence and fraternity.” The discussions also considered how the development and use of artificial intelligence could support or undermine a culture of non-violence.
Dr. Mehool Sanghrajka said:
“The conference reaffirmed the shared commitment of Jains and Christians to ahimsa, compassion and peace. We agreed that by speaking with a united voice and actively engaging with global challenges, we can help shape a stronger moral and ethical framework for a more peaceful and compassionate world. We are deeply grateful to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue for their partnership and commitment to this shared vision.”
Earlier in the day, Cardinal Koovakad visited the Jain Derasar at the Oshwal Centre in Potters Bar, where Jain community representatives welcomed him with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and an exchange of greetings and prayers. At the conference, the opening lamp-lighting ceremony included Jain and Catholic leaders and representatives of other faith communities.
IOJ expressed its sincere thanks to all the speakers and contributors for sharing their insights and helping connect religious teachings with the practical challenges of building peace. It also thanked Jain youth leader Hirak Doshi, who moderated the discussions, and conference convenor Meena Shah, alongside everyone who supported the gathering.
Monsignor Michael Santiago delivered the closing vote of thanks to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and the Institute of Jainology for jointly hosting the conference.
The gathering reaffirmed the importance of sustained Jain–Christian dialogue in turning shared values into action. For IOJ, it was an opportunity to share the relevance of ahimsa to contemporary life and strengthen partnerships dedicated to a more peaceful and compassionate world.
