Ecumenical Outreach/Interreligious
The Catholic Church is bound by Jesus' prayer "that all may be one" (Jn 17:21) and encouraged by the Second Vatican Council and recent Popes to work for the unity of Christians. Let us not forget that what we hold in common with other Christians is much greater than what divides us. The search for full, visible communion among all Christians should therefore be instilled in the faithful through prayer and practical initiatives.
In addition to her work for Christian unity, the Catholic Church is increasingly aware of the importance of promoting friendship and respect among the followers of non-Christian religions in "an attitude of openness in truth and in love" (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 250). The interfaith dialogue "is a necessary condition for peace in the world" and it is "in first place a conversation about human existence ... and a duty of serving justice and peace, which should become a basic principle of all our exchanges." (ibid.)
This dialogue is based on the Golden Rule which is found in all main religions and cultures of the world, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Mt 7:12) and focuses on the importance of love in the collaboration with people of different religious traditions.