Official Dialogues

“As religious leaders, we are called to be true ‘people of dialogue’, to cooperate in building peace not as intermediaries but as authentic mediators. Intermediaries seek to give everyone a discount, ultimately in order to gain something for themselves. The mediator, on the other hand, is one who retains nothing for himself, but rather spends himself generously until he is consumed…”

-Pope Francis’ Encyclical on Fraternity & Social Friendship
Fratelli Tutti, Paragraph 284

Official Dialogues in Los Angeles under the auspices of Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles:

Please note that due to the pandemic, all dialogues are currently held via Zoom.

BUDDHIST/CATHOLIC

Co-chairs: Bhante Chao Chu and Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith
Meetings: Monthly at various Catholic and Buddhist sites
Participants: Open to clergy and laity
Current Topic: Anti-Asian Hate

EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN/CATHOLIC

Co-chairs: Rev. Thomas Rausch, SJ and Dr. Mel Robeck, Jr.
Meetings: Monthly, during the academic year
Participants: Open to clergy and laity
Current Topic: Various current topics and academic papers of mutual interest

HINDU/CATHOLIC

Current Coordinator: Dr. Tracy Sayuki Tiemeier, PhD
Meetings: Monthly, at various Hindu and Catholic sites, beginning with a vegetarian lunch at 11:30 am and concluding at 1:30 pm
Participants: Open to clergy and laity
Current Topic: TBD

PRIEST/RABBI

Co-chairs: Rev. Michael Wakefield and Rabbi Elliott Dorff
Meetings: Monthly at the American Jewish University
Participants: Priests and Rabbis only
Current Topic: Life Cycle Events from Jewish and Catholic perspective

JEWISH/CATHOLIC WOMEN – LOS ANGELES

Co-chairs: Diane Levine and Julie Heath-Elliott
Meetings: Monthly, alternating between Catholic and Jewish sites
Participants: Jewish and Catholic women
Current Topic: Changes monthly

JEWISH/CATHOLIC WOMEN – SOUTH BAY

Co-chairs: Misty Jesse and Marla Shwarts
Meetings: Monthly, alternating between Catholic and Jewish sites
Participants: Jewish and Catholic women
Current Topic: Faith Rituals and Celebrations – A Woman’s Significance

MUSLIM/CATHOLIC – WEST COAST REGIONAL DIALOGUE

Co-chairs: Bishop Robert McElroy and Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi
West Coast Co-Convener: Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith
Meetings: Annually, in Chicago
Participants: Designated by Muslim and Catholic authorities
Current Topic: Revision of Rev. Maurice Borrmans’ book “Guidelines for Dialogue between Christians and Muslims”

If interested in participating in any of the above dialogues, please contact Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith at FrARSmith@la-archdiocese.org.