The second in an ongoing series of dialogues in the Washington DC area took place on 9-10 April 1999. Like the first dialogue, held the previous year, the participants included Christians from the Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist and Anglican traditions and Vaisnavas from the Gaudiya and Madhva traditions. This year's dialogue was expanded to include an overnight stay at the retreat centre as well as an opportunity to share in worship together on the second day. The first day was devoted to scholarly discussion of the conference theme and the second day to shared worship and reflection on the theme in light of those experiences.

The conference theme addressed the experience of divine presence in the world as well as the mode of responding to that presence. It was very important that the theological dialogue was based on selections from texts that are central to the Christian and Vaisnava traditions respectively, the Gospel of John and the Bhagavad-gita. Presenters had provided the participants with assigned readings that greatly helped involvement in the discussion.

After a warm welcome from Anuttama Dasa and a first round of introductions, we listened to a presentation by Margo Stevenson of Catholic University on the relation between the divine spirit and the world in four passages of the Gospel of John: the prologue, which points to the Word of God becoming flesh in this world; the narrative about the man born blind, which sets the historical context of conflict in 'the world'; a selection from the farewell discourse of Jesus in which he promises his disciples the gift of the spirit to protect them in that world, even in the midst of conflict; and the deep conflict revealed in the dramatic interrogation of Jesus by the Roman governor.

The second presentation, by Ravindra Svarupa Dasa of ISKCON, focused on key themes of the Bhagavad-gita. Krsna instructs Arjuna in his duty to sustain the ethical order of dharma in the world. Even in the midst of moral ambiguity, Arjuna should not renounce the actions required by dharma to uphold the world but he should act selflessly, with no regard for the fruits of his action. This type of renunciation is an affirmation of the true moral order and is based on devotional surrender of self and work to Krsna. Krsna's appearance in the world shows both his unconditional love and His judgement on the world. Krsna reveals the path of devotional surrender to God that is the foundation of selfless service to God and to society.

The lengthy and quite candid discussion which followed these presentations showed how differently Christians and Vaisnavas experience divine presence (as incarnation or as avatara) and how deeply they are engaged with similar struggles to live 'in the world' without being 'of the world' that is hostile to God and under divine judgement. Both Christians and Vaisnavas strive to be faithful disciples and to engage in action that is animated by selfless love and devotional surrender. We explored together our very fundamental differences in understanding divine presence and in understanding 'the world'. However, one participant commented towards the end of the discussion that, despite such deep religious and philosophical differences, Christians and Vaisnavas share this call to be committed in selfless service and loving surrender to God. There is fertile ground for encounter to flourish on this level of religious experience and commitment.

On the second day of the dialogue, we started with a shared experience of arati and kirtana from the Gaudiya tradition, followed by an interpretation of a text from the Bhagavata Purana. We continued with an experience of Christian prayer in readings, interpretation and song. In bhajana and kirtana, in hymn and song, the participants had an experience of each other and saw the others' beliefs in a new light. The tone of the discussion, led by Kenneth Cracknell of Brite Divinity School, showed the impact of these experiences. The participants introduced themselves again — with greater detail and more intimacy. Reflecting on this, Dr Cracknell identified the change that dimensions of physicality (dance, movement, song) add to religious encounter. This link made it possible to see the necessary tension between affirmation and renunciation of material existence, but also to give a more positive understanding of the divine presence in the sacred places of our world. Dr Cracknell summarised the challenge facing both Christians and Vaisnavas in finding a way to live with both religion and secular culture while seeking the conversion of the culture. The discussion drew on the previous day's theme of selfless service in the midst of a suffering world. As the participants looked together at the religious challenges facing them, their responses converged on the many ways in which they as believers sought to give new spirit to the world. The depth of this discussion came largely because the participants had the luxury of time to speak informally and, especially, to share worship together. However irreducible their systems of belief might be, such an experience of sharing allowed the participants in this dialogue to speak heart to heart.

The spring weather was brisk during much of the conference, but it warmed up on Saturday afternoon to allow us to eat lunch outside and to conclude our discussions. The grounds of Rockwood Manor are beautiful and we were blessed with delicious food. It was no surprise that we lingered over lunch, enjoying the friendships that had been developed in dialogue. All were committed to continuing these sessions, combining talks by specialists with the experiential dimension that proved so fruitful in advancing both understanding and discussion. The participants expressed a hope for expanded participation of Christian churches and of various Vaisnava traditions. In conclusion, all the participants expressed their thanks to Anuttama Dasa and the other Washington-based leaders who had developed the programme.

Participants:

Vaisnava: Anuttama Dasa, Haridasa Dasa, Brhat Mrdanga Dasa, Ravindra Svarupa Dasa, Rukmini-devi Dasi, Rasikananda Dasa, Narottama Dasa, Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Jagannatha Bharadvaja, Sri Sudevi Dasi

Christian: David Rodier, Erik Schwarz, Judson Trapnell, John Borelli, Kenneth Cracknell, Paul Lee, Gerald Carney, William Cenkner, Margo Stevenson, James Wiseman, Susan White