From July 26 to 29, the First Conference of the International Interreligious Forum Transcendence (FIIT) took place at the PHI Campus in Acebo, Cáceres. Under the theme “Retreat, Reflection and Spirituality”, this event brought together leaders and representatives of various religious traditions with the aim of promoting constructive dialogue in today’s society.
The person in charge and organizer of this conference was HE Pujya Swami Rameshwarananda Giri Maharaj, president of FIIT and the PHI Foundation. His role was crucial in coordinating the participation of the different religious communities present in Spain. Among the prominent participants were figures of Catholic Christianity such as the Carmelite Sisters of Charity of Vedruna, represented by Gracia Gil and Rosa Orti, as well as Amparo Navarro of the Jesuit Migrant Service. As for Judaism, Isaac Sananès of the Jewish Community of Valencia was present; while Hinduism was represented by Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa (who presented his book “Lessons of the Eternal Path: The Santana Dharma, between matter and spirit”), Swamini Dayananda Giri. Elisabeth Gayan of Brahma Kumaris also participated, and Sheikh Mansour Mota participated on behalf of Islam, joining the meeting virtually.
In addition, leaders from other traditions that have recently joined FIIT joined the event. Francisco Javier Piquer represented Protestantism and the Bahá’í Faith was present through Clarisa Nieva and José Toribio assisted, while Armando Lozano represented the Unification Church and Ivan Arjona-Pelado was present on behalf of the Church of Scientology, the religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard, and which Arjona represents at the European and United Nations levels.
These meetings not only focused on the FIIT Annual General Assembly, but also provided a space to present innovative proposals that foster interreligious dialogue. During the days, participants enjoyed activities that included readings of sacred texts, lectures, and ceremonies specific to each tradition. A panel discussion entitled “The Concept of Freedom” explored various religious perspectives and was broadcast online to broaden its reach.
In order to respect the different dietary needs of the participants, the PHI Campus Restaurant offered vegetarian menus adapted to each faith. Each day began and ended with prayers representative of different traditions, creating an inclusive and respectful atmosphere.
The program also included experiences in contact with nature. Participants enjoyed a “forest bath” in the Prado de las Monjas reservoir, as well as a guided tour of the campus facilities where water purification systems, renewable energy and an organic garden were presented. The day included a spiritual experience at the Vedantic Center, where the monastic community shared moments of tranquility and reflection.
The meeting ended with a visit to the Franciscan convent of El Palancar in Pedroso de AcimCáceres, where the monks offered a warm welcome and led a common interfaith prayer, symbolizing the mission of the Transcendence Forum to unite different faiths in the search for peace and mutual understanding.
The first FIIT Congress not only served as a place of conviviality and reflection, but also demonstrated the commitment of the various religious traditions, old and new, large and small, to building a future based on dialogue and spirituality.
Originally published in The European Times.
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