The Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue
This is an inter-denominationally represented autonomous Institute. It works with Christian and Other religious Organizations as well, with a work program which has a wider ecumenical discussion. We also work with Inter-national ecumenical Organizations, which are collaborating with us since inception, as our friendly organizations. Hence it has become an internally recognized center for study and dialogue with Buddhism, along with other ecumenical concerns.
Our Vision
Our Mission
To Study and interpret the religious and social movements of the people of Sri Lanka in order to assist the Sri Lankan Church to fulfill it’s calling to witness and service in the life of the nation.
To serve the Churches as a ‘think tank’ on current issues in the Country, and to articulate the moderate, progressive thinking that makes us to be alert and there by affirm our commitment to the task of building the values of the Reign of God such as Love, Justice, equality, freedom, tolerance and sharing which are also found in all religions, in our society.
The Institute was organized into three areas of Studies
- To promote Study and research in classical Buddhism and modern developments in Buddhism to foster a deeper understanding of Buddhism among Christians with a view to engage in dialogue with Buddhists for mutual enrichment and building of community.
- Engage in frontier Studies to explore the theological and social implications of the Christian faith in the life of the nation.
- Studies of other faiths and ideologies to initiate and foster a deeper understanding of faith other than Buddhism.
To popularize inter-faith dialogue and with an increased need for dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity in order to bring about mutual understanding amongst the religious communities and institutions as a means to mobilize the potentials of religious values to Study and interpret to strengthen human development.
Also to engage in frontier studies to explore the theological and social implications of the ‘Christian Faith’ in the life of the Sri Lanka Society.