Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue Office for G/H Archdiocese

09/06/2026

Dear Friends,

This weekend, our sacred text, the Holy Bible, challenges us as Christians to do something that is not always easy: forgive, enter into dialogue, and work toward reconciliation.

We are called not simply to avoid conflict, but to speak with one another, listen to one another, seek understanding, and—when possible—work things out.

And I know that this call is not found only in my Christian tradition. Your holy texts and sacred traditions also call you toward compassion, mercy, peace, reconciliation, and care for one another.

That is one of the beautiful gifts of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. We do not have to pretend that we all believe the same things. We can remain faithful to our own traditions while recognizing the values that call us to build bridges rather than walls.

Sometimes reconciliation happens. Sometimes conversations bring understanding and healing.

And sometimes, despite our best efforts, things cannot yet be worked out.

When that happens, our Scriptures remind us not to give up on the other person. We can continue to pray for them, desire what is good for them, and hold onto hope that healing may someday come. ❤️‍🩹

In a world that can be quick to divide, condemn, and walk away, may people of faith choose another path: forgiveness, dialogue, understanding, prayer, and hope.

Different traditions. Different beliefs. One human family.

May we keep talking.
May we keep listening.
May we keep praying.
May we keep building bridges.

Why Not?!?

Fr. Orrin Halepeska
Ecumenical & Interreligious Officer

07/09/2026

Thanks 🙏 to all the nice folks at St Edward’s The Confessor Catholic Church!!! It was fun discussing Ecumenical and Interreligious topics and a couple important documents as well!!! Thanks for your interest!!!

07/08/2026

Interfaith:

WE distinguish Judaism from "interreligious" faiths like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam. Catholicism is inextricably rooted in Judaism—Christians share the Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament), and Jesus was historically Jewish. Because of this, Jewish-Catholic relations are essentially "interfaith" (sharing a covenantal foundation).

07/08/2026

Interreligious:

The Church holds all that is good in esteem, even understanding those elements of other religious traditions to be reflections of rays of Truth. Based on this and the recognition of the unity of God’s creation, Catholics are encouraged in dialogue and collaboration with members of other religions. The world’s estimated 1.5 billion Catholics face the challenges of modernity alongside neighbors of every creed. It is our hope and our goal to foster bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and constructive collaboration among the world’s religions in the genuine service of humanity.

07/08/2026

Ecumenism, from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited world,” is the promotion of cooperation and unity among Christians. Jesus Christ founded one Church and, in the midst of his Passion, prayed, “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) In fidelity to that, the Catholic Church takes part in an ecumenical movement seeking visible unity among the diversity of Christian Churches and ecclesial communities.

05/25/2026

05/06/2026

Great to see Sonja, one of our wonderful friends from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today for lunch! 😊

We shared dreams, hopes, ideas, and talked about all kinds of future projects and ways we can continue building bridges of friendship and faith together.

So much good can happen when people come together with open hearts, respect, and a desire to serve others. Why Not?!? 🙌

Grateful for the conversation, laughter, and vision for the future!

03/30/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to speak with educators in training at the University of Houston With my friend Geetha!!!

We explored the importance of understanding and welcoming ecumenical and interreligious students in today’s classrooms—recognizing the diversity of faith traditions they will encounter and serve.

Together, we began mapping out practical ways to create spaces of respect, dialogue, and genuine hospitality in our schools.

The future is bright when educators lead with openness, knowledge, and compassion. 🙏