Nostra Aetate and Its Echoes in Orthodox Theology and Practice

Interreligious dialogue between Christian churches and non‐Christian religions emerged as a natural extension of the ecumenical movement, which had already been institutionalized by international ecclesiastical organizations. After the Second World War, dialogue became an imperative in the context of a new international order shaped by the principles of the United Nations – particularly issues of human rights, minority protection, freedom of conscience, and religious tolerance. The Roman Catholic Church entered this arena decisively in the years preceding the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), interpreting dialogue within the framework of its missionary vocation. If Unitatis redintegratio formalized Catholic participation in intra‐Christian dialogue, Nostra aetate laid the foundation for interreligious dialogue, which until then had not been a priority. Early Catholic engagement distinguished between Abrahamic monotheisms (Judaism, Islam) and Afro‐Asian traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, animism), the latter often approached mainly through missionary activity. This historical context highlights the evolving theological understanding and challenges of interreligious dialogue.