Dialogue with people of other faiths is a major dimension of the Jesuit commitment to be companions of Jesus and servants of his mission. This mission includes being prepared to live alongside people of other faiths, acting as good neighbours to them, and being prepared to work with them for the common good.

This is especially important for Jesuits in Asia Pacific, which is home to several major religions and cultures – Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam.

For many Jesuits, the dialogue with people of other faiths expresses itself through the dialogue of religious experience – learning how to listen to what others are saying and to enter into their spiritual lives through prayer and conversation.

For a few Jesuits, dialogue means theological exchange. It demands not just face-to-face debate but a life of study and constant reflection on what God may be saying through these other religious traditions.