Aim

The aim of the Provincial Council of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue is to advance relationships between religious groups which lead understanding, mutual tolerance, respect, and ones that are united in diversity. The Council promotes all initiatives which favor ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.

History

The Provincial Council of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue began when Monsignor Sigampa, then Bishop of La Rioja, appointed the first council which was made of 9 Catholic members. The first Ecumenical contact was held in the Evangelical Baptist Temple and was reciprocated when members of the Evangelical church attended an event at the Catholic cathedral. Subsequently, interreligious dialogue began with the Council's attendance to celebrate the Jewish New Year and remembrance of the Day of Atonement. In 2004, dialogue also began to take place with members of the Islamic Center of La Rioja, with whom Ramadan was celebrated together every year onwards