Is interfaith dialogue really fruitful?

Yes, when words turn into deeds. It bears fruit where believers serve those in need without self-interest and live honestly themselves.

Politicians and states come together when it serves their interests. Religions can offer more than yet another meeting of representatives. A conversation between believers only bears fruit when it leads to shared action that people can see and test.

The most tangible sign is service to those who have little. When a community builds schools, clinics or help for the poor and gains nothing for itself, it shows that the ego is not in charge. Selfishness and greed are among the main reasons why the world's economy leaves so many people behind. The verses above describe people who help and expect neither reward nor thanks.

Honesty within is part of this too. What a community does as a whole is not automatically true of every individual in it. Whoever tolerates cheating and dishonesty in their own ranks makes every dialogue lose its credibility. Such conduct must not be accepted, not even from people close to us.

Even more powerful than any sanction is example. The prophets of all religions stood beside the poor, not beside the powerful. When believers are reminded of these models again and again, in a way that reaches their hearts, they change from within.

This is also the common ground for dialogue. When followers of different religions hold to their prophets, they will find themselves side by side in serving those in need. It is a difficult task, but not an impossible one.