Fr Mashata Reflects on Mary as a Bridge Between Catholics and Muslims

by Sheila Pires | Jun 3, 2026 | Featured, Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue

In a reflection on the shared devotion to Mary among Catholics and Muslims, the Coordinating Secretary of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World, highlights...

Interfaith Leaders Meet in Johannesburg Archdiocese to Foster Dialogue and Cooperation

by Sheila Pires | May 28, 2026 | Uncategorized, Ecumenism, Featured, Interreligious Dialogue

An interfaith meeting bringing together leaders from the Catholic Church, Methodist community, Muslim community, and Hindu faith tradition was held at the Sivan Gnana Sabay Sivan Koil Temple in Lenasia, Johannesburg. The 26 May 2026 gathering sought to initiate the...

Bishop Mbuyisa CMM Reiterates Pope Leo Appeal for “the Immediate End” to Conflict in the Middle East

by Sheila Pires | Mar 28, 2026 | Justice and Peace, Ecumenism, Social Action

The Liaison Bishop for the Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has called for an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, echoing the urgent appeals of Pope Leo XIV for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue...

Love of God and neighbour at heart of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

by Sheila Pires | May 6, 2024 | Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue

“You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself” (Lk 10:27) is the theme chosen for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WCPU). The international Christian ecumenical initiative which is observed in countries in the Southern Hemisphere...

The Spiritual Beauty in March and April

by Sheila Pires | Mar 15, 2024 | Ecumenism

An Ecumenical Reflection by Bonaventure MASHATA MAfr – Coordinating SACBC Secretary for the Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World I have been meditating on the spiritual beauty in these two months: March and April....

SACBC Joins Vatican In Extending Festive Greetings to all Hindus

by Sheila Pires | Nov 8, 2023 | Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue

The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue has joined the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in extending festive greetings to all Hindus, ahead of the feast of Deepavali (or Diwali), which...