Sri Lanka: Jesuits Among Muslims in Asia Conference

Source: Joseph Victor Edwin SJ

The JAMIA (Jesuits Among Muslims in Asia) Conference was held at the Caritas National Centre in Colombo Sri Lanka from 27 to 30 December 2025. The Sri Lanka Jesuit Province played host to the Assembly, with Joseph Victor Edwin SJ as the overall convenor. The Conference brought together Jesuits and their collaborators from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India and Pakistan.

The Conference provided ample opportunity to deeply reflect of the engagement of the Society of Jesus with Muslims, given the complexities and challenges of Asia. There were two overarching themes: i) Presenting Christ in Islamic Contexts and ii) Muslims and Christians in Multireligious Contexts. Scholarly papers interspersed with grassroots engagements were presented by the participants on inter-related dimensions. There was a session on Jesuits who pioneered dialogue with Muslims in various ways and how we should learn from the rich legacy they have left us.

During the in-depth spiritual conversations, the participants shared with each other their consolations and desolations, the challenges the faced and what more needs to be done in keeping with the directives of 'Nostra Aetate', subsequent Church teaching and mandate entrusted by the Society.

There were several positive points which emerged from the Conference; among them were: the need and importance of building bridges/ deepening the bonds with Muslims in every possible way; to strengthen JAMIA as network; to get more younger Jesuits engaged in this ministry.

Among the several highlights of the Conference was a meaningful and impacting day of exposure. The day included a visit to The Tulana Research Centre for Encounter and Dialogue founded (in 1974) by Jesuit Fr Aloysius Pieris, the Asian liberation theologian and a profound interaction with him; to the famed Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (the Red Mosque) and meeting with the Imams there; and to the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple (Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara) is a sacred Buddhist site.

For all present it was a very enriching Conference with a renewed commitment to make JAMIA more relevant today!