From 26-29 July, the First Conference of the International Interreligious Forum Transcendence (FIIT) took place at the PHI Campus in Acebo, Cáceres. Under the motto “Retreat, Reflection and Spirituality“, this event brought together leaders and representatives of various religious traditions with the aim of promoting constructive dialogue in today’s society.
The person in charge and organiser of this conference was H.E. Pujya Swami Rameshwarananda Giri Maharaj, president of the FIIT and the PHI Foundation. His role was crucial in coordinating the participation of different religious communities present in Spain. Prominent participants included figures from Catholic Christianity such as the Carmelite Sisters of Charity of Vedruna, represented by Gracia Gil and Rosa Ortí, as well as Amparo Navarro from the Jesuit Migrant Service. As for Judaism, Isaac Sananes from the Jewish Community of Valencia was present; while Hinduism was represented by Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa (who presented his book “Lessons from the Eternal Path: The Santana Dharma, between matter and spirit“), Swamini Dayananda Giri. Elisabeth Gayan of Brahma Kumaris also participated, and Shaykh Mansur Mota participated on behalf of Islam, joining the meeting virtually.
In addition, leaders from other traditions that have recently joined the FIIT joined the event. Francisco Javier Piquer represented Protestantism and the Baha’i Faith was present through Clarisa Nieva and José Toribio attended, while Armando Lozano represented the Unification Church and Iván Arjona-Pelado was present on behalf of the Church of Scientology, the religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard, and which Arjona represents at European and United Nations level.
These meetings not only focused on the annual General Assembly of the FIIT, but also provided a space to present innovative proposals that promote interfaith dialogue. During the days, participants enjoyed activities that included readings from sacred texts, lectures and ceremonies specific to each tradition. A featured panel discussion was entitled “The Concept of Freedom”, which explored diverse religious perspectives and was streamed online to broaden its reach.
To respect the different dietary needs of the participants, the Campus PHI restaurant offered vegetarian menus adapted to each confession. Each day began and ended with prayers representative of different traditions, creating an inclusive and respectful atmosphere.
The programme also included experiences in contact with nature. Attendees enjoyed a “forest bath” in the Prado de las Monjas reservoir, as well as a guided tour of the campus facilities where water purification systems, renewable energies and an organic garden were presented. The day included a spiritual experience at the Vedantic Centre, where the monastic community shared moments of tranquillity and reflection.
The meeting ended with a visit to the Franciscan convent of El Palancar in Pedroso de Acim, Cáceres, where the monks offered a warm welcome and led a joint interfaith prayer, symbolising the Transcendence Forum’s mission to unite different faiths in search of peace and mutual understanding.
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