Hindus and Christians Together to Build a Just and Peaceable World
At Brahma Kumaris, Global Cooperation House, London | 19th Oct 2026
It was a privilege for GRASSROOTS Luton to be invited by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, to join the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Visit to the UK, and particularly join faith leaders, academics and community representatives from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Brahma Kumaris traditions gathered at Global Cooperation House in London for a landmark conference entitled “Hindus and Christians Together to Build a Just and Peaceable World.”
Hosted by the Brahma Kumaris UK as part of the visit of His Eminence Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, the event explored how faith communities, mainly Hindus & Christians, can work together to address division, injustice and conflict while promoting human dignity, peace and social cohesion.
In his keynote address, Cardinal Koovakad emphasised the vital role of faith communities in peacebuilding, stating: “The goal of dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and harmony, and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of hope and love.” He said that “authentic peace is not possible in the absence of justice.”
Speakers from both Hindu & Christian traditions highlighted the spiritual foundations for compassion and coexistence. Vishakha Dasi, President of Bhaktivedanta Manor (Watford) reflected on the Hindu concept of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ as a universal spiritual principle rather than a sectarian identity.
Swami Sarvasthananda, Head of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK, reflected on the ancient Hindu ideal: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” - The whole world is one family. He explained, “Diversity is not to be eliminated. We do not need to pretend Hinduism and Christianity are the same. Yet we can meet each other with acceptance and respect.”
Referring to Sri Ramakrishna’s universal vision, he emphasised: “God is greater than any single human understanding of God.”
The afternoon session focused on practical collaboration. Khushboo Miyani of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha highlighted that “our differences never erase our humanity.” Drawing on the example of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, built by people of different faiths, she stressed that we can work together to achieve a common purpose.
Speaking from a Christian perspective, Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem affirmed that “dialogue is how we keep the gift of hope alive.” However, reflecting on Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti and its relevance to contemporary society, Dr Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, encouraged participants to dream boldly, and said, “Working together is an act of hopeful resistance.” She challenged participants to move beyond dialogue to collaborative action addressing poverty, injustice and environmental concerns.
The conference strongly resonated with GRASSROOTS Luton’s commitment to move beyond dialogue to meaningful action for the common good.
