Inter-faith Dialogue Programme Promotes Islam–Christian Harmony in Bangalore

Bangalore, Dec 27, 2025: Marking the Christmas season with an emphasis on harmony and mutual respect, the Karnataka Regional Interreligious Dialogue Commission organised Christmas Sneha Koota, an Islam–Christian dialogue programme, at St. Mary's Basilica, Bangalore on December 26. The initiative brought together members of the Christian and Muslim communities to promote understanding, respect, and collaboration between the two faiths.

Addressing the gathering, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Susainathan of Bangalore and Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Interreligious Dialogue Commission, underscored the importance of sustained interfaith engagement in building peace. He called on communities to come together and uphold values such as peace, love, and compassion, which he said are central to both Islam and Christianity.

The programme included prayers from both traditions, with Moulvi Masaroor Khan reciting a verse from the Quran and Sr. Clarice leading a Christian prayer. During the interaction, Mr. Zafrul Hassan Ji spoke about the deep reverence accorded by Muslims to Mother Mary and Jesus Christ, drawing attention to the shared values and common ground between the two faiths.

Several leaders were present at the event, including Mohammed Sharief and Mr. Rohit. Halima Ji, representing a local organisation, expressed gratitude to the participants and organisers, highlighting the role of such initiatives in building bridges across communities.

Fr. Vinay Kumar, who organised the programme, expressed hope that similar dialogues would continue in the future, contributing to stronger interfaith relations and fostering a culture of peace and understanding in the region.

By Fr. Vinay Kumar