23 DEPARTMENT FOR ECUMENISM, INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND DIALOGUE WITH SECULAR CULTURE
23.1 Mandate The Department is responsible for, initiates and maintains ecumenical dialogue, inter -religious dialogue and dialogue with secular culture on behalf of the Conference and is at the service of the member dioceses.
23.2 Functions
23.2.1 Ecumenism The Department as the official liaison channel of the Conference with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity:
23.2.1.1 receives and distributes when necessary documents and statements of the Pontifical Council;
23.2.1.2 promotes dialogue with other Christian Churches;
23.2.1.3 represents the Catholic Church in national councils of churches;
23.2.1.4 liaises with other ecumenical bodies.
23.2.2 Inter-Religious Dialogue The Department is the official liaison channel of the Conference with the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue:
23.2.2.1 receives and distributes documents and statements of the Pontifical Council;
23.2.2.2 liaises with the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP);
23.2.2.3 promotes dialogue and contacts with the Jewish faith, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and adherents of African Instituted Churches.
23.2.3 Dialogue with Secular Culture The Department is the official liaison channel of the Conference with the Pontifical Council for Dialogue with People of Secular Culture:
23.2.3.1 promotes dialogue with people of secular culture in the fields of culture, science and art.
23.3 Membership Membership of the Department consists of:
An Episcopal Chairperson
Two Episcopal Vice-Chairpersons
The Secretary of the Department
Members appointed by the Department in accordance with their competence.