London: Interfaith reflections on Fratelli Tutti

Pope Francis has made interfaith a priority of his pontificate with visits to Abu Dhabi, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. In 2019 he met the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in Abu Dhabi and a document on human fraternity for world peace and living together was agreed. From this came Fratelli Tutti (on fraternity and social friendship) 2020.

The Westminster Cathedral interfaith group has been studying the document this year. It is a natural successor to Laudato Si' which we studied last year.

The encyclical begins with a quote from St Francis of Assisi in which he calls on his brothers and sisters for a love which transcends the barriers of geography and distance and declares blessed all those who love their brother "as much as when he is far away from him as when he is with him".

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3.30 pm in the Hinsley room, Morpeth Terrace, SW1 and all are welcome. The discussions on the first chapters have been particularly lively and stimulating. Chapter 2 is a moving meditation on the parable of the Good Samaritan.

We are very pleased that our old friend Sheikh Ramzy will travel from Oxford to be with us on May 17th. Archbishop Emeritus Kevin McDonald has made a particular study of the encyclical and will speak on July 19th.

The dates are as follows

Apr 19 Chapter 4 A heart open to the whole world

March 15 Discussion in synod style.

May 17 11.30 am Group visit to the National Gallery to see the St Francis of Assisi exhibition (charge)

May 17 Chapter 5 'A better kind of politics' with Sheikh Ramzy from Oxford

June 21 Chapter 6 "Dialogue and friendship in society"

July 19 Talk by Archbishop Emeritus Kevin McDonald

Sept 20 Chapter 7 'Paths of renewed encounter'

Oct 18 Chapter 8 'Religions at the service of fraternity in our world'

Nov 15 What next?

No meeting in August or December

The document is available online Fratelli tutti (3 October 2020) www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

and from St Paul's bookshop £6.95

John Woodhouse is organiser of the group and a member of Laudato Si' Animators UK.