In terms of activity, it is clear that inter-religious dialogue has spread to many parts of the world and involves people at many levels of society. Yet religious intolerance and extremism persists-indeed, in many places, it seems to be on the increase. Religions have, on the whole, been powerless to stop conflict and may well embitter it. The conviction, however, voiced recently by Professor Hans Kung that there will be no world peace without peace between religions echoes the dream of those who promoted the World’s Parliament of Religions. It is a hope that has inspired the interfaith movement and gives to it continuing urgency today. Indeed there are those who believe religions' ability to contribute to world peace and justice will be the test of religions' future credibility.
Yet the practical urgency of religious co-operation should not hide the search for truth which is at the heart of inter-religious dialogue. The expectation is that as we come closer to each other we shall also come closer to the Divine Source of Light and Life and Love. Inter-religious dialogue may be a pilgrimage of hope if it helps to unite people of many faiths in awareness of their unity as members of the one human family and in their concern for each other and if it helps to deepen them in communion with the Eternal.