The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Interreligious Dialogue will host the 8th Buddhist-Christian Symposium in Phnom Penh from May 27 to 29, 2025, in partnership with the Buddhist University and Monasteries of Cambodia and the Bishops’ Conference of Cambodia.
The theme of the event is: “Buddhists and Christians working together for peace through reconciliation and resilience”, according to a communiqué from the Vatican Press Office.
Some 150 Christians and Buddhists from Asia and beyond will gather in the Cambodian capital for “reflection, dialogue and cooperation for peace in our time”.
Representatives come from 16 countries and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
“In a world ravaged by conflict and violence, this symposium is a timely reminder that the power of religions lies not only in preventing violence but also in promoting healing, reconciliation and resilience”, the communiqué states.
The symposium aims to continue the tradition of “promoting mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation between Buddhists and Christians in the service of peace”.
The communique concluded: “Held in the lands that bear the spiritual legacy of His Holiness Maha Gosananda, this international conference will explore how sacred texts, spiritual teachings, and lived experiences can bring healing and hope to people.”
The 7th Buddhist-Christian Symposium was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 13 to 16, 2023, with a focus on finding common actions to “heal the wounds of humanity and the planet.”
