SAKON NAKHON (UCAN): “The Church wants to promote and strengthen relations with the representatives of the local Buddhist community,” Archbishop Anthony Weradet Chaiseri of the Archdiocese of Tharae and Nonseng, which covers the four northern provinces of Kalasin, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon, told the Fides news agency.
Archbishop Chaiseri remarked that interfaith dialogue is an integral part of the Catholic Church’s pastoral plan, adding that dialogue with Buddhists is vital for Christians in a nation shaped by the strong cultural and religious legacies of Buddhism.
He made the observations after meeting with Sutham Suthammo, a prominent Buddhist monk and abbot of the Forest Monastery in Kesetsrikhun in Nong Phai.
Archbishop Chaiseri noted that there is no tension between Catholics and Buddhists in Thailand as Thai society is generally open and tolerant, and it is essential to deepen the collaboration between the faith communities.
Sutham has said that the Buddhist community aims to carry out some development projects jointly with other faiths to help people hit by the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.
“A stronger collaboration with the Buddhist community can help us work together for the common good, peace, harmony and development,” the archbishop remarked with Sutham observing that the collaboration and mutual understanding should continue to help people during difficult times.
Christians in Thailand are known for their interdenominational and interfaith activities and dialogue programmes. They also provide high-quality education and health care to the poor.
Buddhists make up about 95 per cent of Thailand’s population of more than 69 million people. Christians are a small minority accounting for about one per cent. The country has around 379,000 Catholics in 436 parishes of 11 dioceses including two archdioceses.
