Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs

New Commission for Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs 

In the affirmation of its relationship with other Christians, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston commits itself to pray and to work for that unity for which Jesus prayed:

"I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” (John 17:20 – 21)

In the service of this commitment to Christian unity – known as ECUMENISM - the Catholic Church relates to other Christians: Orthodox, Protestant, and Anglican. The icon of the brothers Peter and Andrew (more information about this icon) represents the fraternal love and full communion among Christians that the Church strives to achieve, in accord with the will of the Lord. 

The Church draws its ecumenical direction and mandate from the Second Vatican Council DECREE ON ECUMENISM and from other authoritative Church documents on ecumenism.

The Catholic Church also holds in esteem the members of other religions. The Church pledges its efforts to work toward the more accurate understanding of others' beliefs and to encourage mutual collaboration in our common concern for the dignity and welfare of every person. In these efforts - known as INTERRELIGIOUS RELATIONS - the Church wishes to attend to those unique bonds already linking it to Judaism and the Jewish people, to that part of its heritage shared with Muslims, and to appreciating the spiritual goals and values of other religions. See the Second Vatican Council’s DECLARATION ON THE CHURCH’S RELATION TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS and other documents on interreligious relations.

The Archdiocese of Boston’s Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs is devoted to promoting unity among Christians and understanding and cooperation among members of all religions.

• On the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
• Resources for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
• Icon of Saints Peter and Andrew
• Instructions, Guidelines, Resources
• Peace In The Middle East
• Muslim Affairs
• Jewish Affairs
• Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue
• Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue
• Related Links
• Official Statements and Documents

Most Rev. Arthur Kennedy
Director

Reverend David C. Michael
Associate Director for Interreligious Relations

Dr. Vito Nicastro
Associate Director
Office: 617-746-5799