Indradyumna Swami Photo: A revered Catholic priest and myself embracing in Jerusalem near to the tomb of Jesus Christ. The following document served as the first official statement by the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON) concerning the Society’s relationship with other people of faith in God. It was developed by the ISKCON Interfaith Commission and authorised by the GBC Executive Committee in 1999. The process of development included broad consultation with many respected devotees, eminent scholars and religious representatives. I present Part One of four parts. (1) In ISKCON we consider love of a Supreme personal God to be the highest form of religious expression, and we recognise and respect this expression in other theistic traditions. We respect the spiritual worth of paths of genuine self-realisation and search for the Absolute Truth in which the concept of a personal Deity is not explicit. Other communities and organisations advocating humanitarian, ethical and moral standards are also valued as being beneficial to society. (2) ISKCON views dialogue between its members and people of other faiths as an opportunity to listen to others, to develop mutual understanding and mutual trust, and to share our commitment and faith with others, while respecting their commitment to their own faith. (3) ISKCON recognises that no one religion holds a monopoly on the truth, the revelation of God or our relationship with God. (4) ISKCON’s members are encouraged to be respectful to people of faith from other traditions and to see the need for people of different faiths to work together for the benefit of society as a whole and for the glorification of God. (5) ISKCON affirms the responsibility of each individual to develop his or her relationship with the Supreme Lord.
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:54:54 +0000
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