Top Stories 26/08/04 First Christian-Confucian dialogue in Korea emphasizes solidarity

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The inaugural colloquium in Seoul drew 150 participants

The participants of the first Vatican-sponsored Christian-Confucian dialogue held in the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Aug. 4-5 pose for a photo. (Photo supplied)

By Paul Paul Hwang

Published: August 07, 2026 12:03 PM GMT

Updated: August 07, 2026 12:13 PM GMT

The first Vatican-sponsored Christian-Confucian dialogue held in the South Korean capital Seoul delivered a joint statement with a commitment to practical solidarity in a pluralistic society.

Jesuit-run Sogang University in Seoul hosted the "First International Catholic-Confucian Colloquium" on Aug. 4-5.

The event was organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK), the Confucian Academy (Sungkyunkwan), and Sogang University’s Graduate School of Theology and Theological Research Institute as co-organizers.

It was themed “New Heaven, New Earth and (Datong, Great Harmony, Great Unity): Christian-Confucian Dialogue for Building an Ideal Society.”

The event drew about 150 participants, including a 35-member Vatican delegation and participants from Korea, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States, and Vietnam.

The dicastery’s prefect, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, proposed the direction for the dialogue in his keynote address.

Cardinal Koovakad noted that both the Confucian ideal of Datong and the Christian vision of the New Heaven and New Earth "emerged from communities confronting profound social, political, and moral crises."

He explained that "in each case, inherited traditions were creatively appropriated to articulate a horizon of hope capable of guiding people through uncertainty and transformation."

He emphasized that "religions bear a profound responsibility to offer their ethical and spiritual wisdom for building a just and humane society, advancing ethical renewal, social harmony, and the flourishing of the human family".

The dicastery’s secretary, Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, termed the dialogue historic.

“It is truly a historic day. A new chapter has opened in the relationship between Christianity and Confucianism, unfolding a broader horizon for cooperation to serve humanity,” he said.

Bishop Mathias Ri Iong-hoon, president of the CBCK, noted that "our Korean ancestors discovered the truth of the Catholic faith while exploring Confucian scriptures, which deeply inspired and moved their souls."

Colloquium discussions focused on the practical application of these religious visions to contemporary challenges. Participants explored the roles of both sides in building an ideal society by addressing various themes, including virtuous leadership, universal brotherhood, moral education in a pluralistic society, and shared resources for ecological sustainability.

In the final joint statement adopted on Aug. 5, both sides declared that “authentic encounter does not erase differences, but instead deepens understanding, strengthens trust, and enriches us all.”

The statement specified that “human flourishing begins with the formation of virtuous, compassionate, and responsible individuals,” and that “personal transformation, ethical living, and care for others are the foundations of healthy families, communities, and societies.”

Addressing global challenges, both sides agreed that a just and peaceful society depends on leadership rooted in integrity, humility, service, and respect. The delegates affirmed that care for the vulnerable, future generations, and the environment is a shared moral and spiritual responsibility, urging the cultivation of a way of life that promotes sustainable development.

Choi Jong-soo, head of Sungkyunkwan, noted in his closing remarks that Confucian Ren (Benevolence) and Christian Love essentially share a vision for humanity and social justice.

“True harmony does not lie in becoming identical, but in joining hands for the common good while respecting each other's differences,” Choi said.

He added that the colloquium confirmed the fundamental compatibility between the Confucian ideal of Datong and the Christian vision of a 'New Heaven and New Earth.'

Organizers and participants told UCA News they considered the dialogue a remarkable step.

“This meeting, which brought together Christians and Confucians from various countries for the first time in history, helps us know each other, overcome prejudices, and heal wounds,” Monsignor Kankanamalage told UCA News.

The participants have agreed to host the next colloquia in Indonesia (2028) and Hong Kong (2030), which demonstrates the success of the dialogue, he added.    

“It is highly significant that the Vatican took the lead in opening the door to Confucian-Christian dialogue on a global scale for the first time,” Bishop Ri told UCA News.

“Although we always talk about it in a historical sense — like the Jesuits in the 17th to 19th centuries — I think it is important for the Vatican to continue dialogue in the contemporary era,” said Professor Jonathan Y. Tan of Case Western Reserve University in the US.