Phnom Penh: The 8th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium, centered on ‘Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience,’ successfully concluded under the leadership of H.E. Chay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion. The event showcased a joint commitment to fostering peace and understanding between the two religious communities.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the three-day event, held from May 27-29, 2025, was organized by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, in collaboration with Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University and the Bishops’ Conference of Cambodia. It saw the participation of 150 Buddhist and Christian delegates from a diverse array of countries, including Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, and the Holy See. Additionally, two representatives from the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences were present.
The colloquium highlighted a shared aspiration for peace and mutual understanding. Participants engaged with sacred texts, spiritual teachings, and personal experiences that emphasized healing and hope in a world divided by violence, injustice, and exploitation. The event included collective prayers, visits to each other’s places of worship, and discussions characterized by mutual respect and friendship.
Conversations during the colloquium were marked by attentive listening and the discovery of common insights, with both religious traditions advocating for the transformation of hearts and societies through compassion and truth. Participants emphasized that reconciliation involves truth-telling, healing, and the restoration of relationships, while resilience is fortified by inner strength, rooted in faith, and supported by communities that uphold human dignity.
In conclusion, attendees expressed their commitment to building peace and addressing the underlying causes of conflict, such as poverty, environmental degradation, social injustice, and the denial of human rights.