1st Confucian-Catholic International Colloquium : Building Friendship and Cooperation for a Better World
1st Confucian-Christian International Colloquium: Building Friendship and Cooperation for a Better World
(Follow-up Colloquium Scheduled for Indonesia, 2028)
On August 5, 2026, the 1st Confucian-Christian International Colloquium concluded its second day of proceedings under the theme "Modern Relevance and Future Directions." Participants from both faith traditions analyzed pressing global challenges and outlined collaborative paths toward a more just, sustainable, and harmonious society.
Key Session Highlights
Leadership, Authority, and the Common Good
Servant Leadership: Prof. So-Yi Jeong (Sogang University) introduced a leadership framework blending the Christian concept of kenosis (self-emptying) with Confucian values—Toegye’s gyeong (respect) and Dasan’s minbon (people-first) ideology. This model prioritizes the vulnerable and community welfare over individual authority—a vital perspective in a world increasingly driven by metrics and efficiency.
Modern Adaptation: Prof. Yong-Jae Kim (Sungshin Women's University) emphasized the principle of "inheriting the old to create the new," arguing that Confucian ethics must expand beyond human relationships to address responsibilities toward nature, companion animals, and artificial intelligence.
Moral Cultivation and Social Solidarity
Christian Formation: Fr. Christopher Cho Wook-wa (Diocese of Hong Kong) framed Christian formation as a lifelong journey within the church community aimed at equipping believers to actively practice justice and charity.
Confucian Self-Cultivation: Prof. Hyun Ji-hye (Peking University) highlighted that Confucian character development ultimately serves the public good, directing personal knowledge and status toward uplifting the broader community.
Ecology and Global Sustainability
Presenters integrated Christian themes (creation, repentance, and hope in the Holy Spirit) with Confucian virtues (symbiosis, care, and responsibility) to offer a shared public ethical framework for environmental stewardship.
Dialogue Findings and Draft Joint Statement
During group discussions, participants addressed unique theological perspectives:
Christian View: Highlights the indispensable role of divine grace, recognizing that human effort alone cannot achieve an ideal society.
Confucian View: Warns that overemphasizing "Heaven" risks neglecting "Earth" as the foundation of daily life, while clarifying that concepts like "Great Harmony" guard against human selfishness rather than promoting naive optimism.
Both sides affirmed a shared commitment to respect differences, learn from each other's strengths, and build lasting institutional foundations for ongoing collaboration.
Draft Statement Announcement
Pauline Bataille (Assistant Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue) and Fr. Coubouilla presented the draft of the Final Joint Statement. The document pledges that Christianity and Confucianism will:
Deepen ongoing friendship and dialogue.
Collaborate on societal initiatives rooted in mercy, justice, harmony, and mutual responsibility.
Work together to promote the flourishing of humanity and all living creation.
(Note: The final statement will be officially released by the Holy See at a later date.)
Leadership Closing Remarks
Fr. Sim Jong-hyeok (President, Sogang University): Noted that both traditions sought deep mutual understanding rather than rushing to erase differences, viewing unresolved questions not as limitations, but as starting points for future growth.
Bishop Lee Yong-hoon (Chairman, Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea): Emphasized that spiritual depth and ethical wisdom are urgently needed today, expressing hope that the fruits of this dialogue will serve all of humanity.
Future Commitments and Delegation Itinerary
Looking Ahead to 2028
Both traditions agreed to pursue joint research, broaden youth involvement, and tackle emerging ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence. Indonesia will host the 2nd International Colloquium in 2028.
Pre- and Post-Colloquium Cultural Visits
August 2: Cardinal George Jacob Kucacard and the Holy See delegation co-celebrated Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral with Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek. The Cardinal praised Korea’s Confucian heritage of virtue, learning, and the common good, urging Christians to embrace interreligious dialogue with hospitality.
August 3: The delegation visited Jingwansa Temple for a tea ceremony with Abbot Beophae, who highlighted the shared core of Catholic love and Buddhist compassion. The group also met with representatives from Cheondogyo, Won Buddhism, and Sungkyunkwan.
August 6: The delegation concluded their visit to Korea with tours of the National Museum of Korea and the Seosomun Martyrs' Shrine History Museum.
Source - https://cbck.or.kr/Notice/20261365?gb=K1200
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