1.0 Introduction
The Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CIRDE) is one of the commissions within the Catholic Diocese of Malindi (CDoM) established by the Catholic Church to foster understanding, cooperation, and harmony between different religious groups and denominations.
Mission: The mission of the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism is to promote interfaith dialogue and ecumenical engagement as a means to build bridges of understanding and peace among people of different religious backgrounds.
The commission seeks to encourage mutual respect, tolerance, and cooperation among various religious communities in the region.
Vision: The vision of the commission is to create a community where people of different religious traditions come together in a spirit of harmony, dialogue, and shared values.
CIRDE Malindi envisions a society where individuals from diverse faiths work together to address common challenges, promote social justice, and contribute to the community's overall well-being.
2.0 Mandate of the Commission
2.1 Promoting Interfaith Dialogue: The commission's primary mandate is to facilitate and encourage dialogue and constructive communication between individuals and groups of different religious faiths. It seeks to create opportunities for open discussions and exchanges to foster mutual understanding and respect.
2.2 Enhancing Interreligious Relationships: The commission works to build positive relationships between different religious communities, striving to reduce tensions and conflicts, and promoting cooperation and collaboration on common social and humanitarian issues.
2.3 Promoting Ecumenism: Besides interfaith dialogue, the commission often focuses on ecumenical efforts, which promote unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations. This involves initiatives to bridge the gaps between Catholicism and other Christian traditions.
2.4 Conflict Resolution: The commission engages in conflict resolution efforts, helping to mediate and reconcile disputes between religious groups or individuals, with a commitment to promoting peace and understanding.
2.5 Education and Awareness: It organizes events, seminars, workshops, and educational programs to raise awareness about the beliefs and practices of different faiths, as well as the importance of interfaith and ecumenical cooperation.
2.6 Advocating for Social Justice: The commission often advocates for social justice and the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious background. This includes efforts to address issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental peace, and discrimination.
2.7 Promoting Religious Freedom: Ensuring that the freedom to practice one's religion is protected and respected within the region or community is often a part of the commission's mandate.
2.8 Promoting Peace and Reconciliation: The commission works to foster peace and reconciliation among religious groups and is involved in peacebuilding initiatives in areas where religious tensions exist.
2.9 Building Community and Solidarity: The commission aims to build a sense of community and solidarity among people of different faiths, with a focus on shared values and common goals.
2.10 Collaboration with Religious Leaders: The commission collaborates with religious leaders and authorities from various faith traditions to advance its goals and objectives.
Core Values:
1. Interfaith Respect
2. Dialogue
3. Peace and Reconciliation
4. Cooperation
5. Tolerance
6. Promotion of Social Justice
7. Community Building