PROCMURA was honoured to be invited to the 60th anniversary celebration of Nostra Aetate at the Vatican, where the organisation was represented by Rev. Dr. Andrew Ashdown of the Methodist Church in Britain, who also serves as the Chairperson of PROCMURA’s European partners.

_{Rev. Dr. Ashdown in the company of other religious leaders from across the world.}

The commemoration, presided over by Pope Leo, marked sixty-five (65) years since the release of the groundbreaking Nostra Aetate declaration by Pope Paul VI in 1965. This historic document redefined the Catholic Church’s relationship with people of other faiths, opening a new chapter in global interreligious dialogue. It called on Christians to engage other faith communities and traditions with respect, understanding, and a spirit of mutual cooperation, a message that continues to inspire and guide interfaith initiatives around the world.

During the celebration, Rev. Dr. Ashdown joined other distinguished religious leaders in a symbolic procession and was seated in the front row as the global faith community reflected on the enduring legacy of Nostra Aetate. The event honoured the past and renewed the call for dialogue and collaboration as key tools for addressing global challenges such as intolerance, violence, and religious misunderstanding.

_{Rev. Dr. Ashdown taking part in the procession.}

For PROCMURA, participating in this milestone event was both a privilege and a strong affirmation of its mission. For more than six decades, PROCMURA has worked across Africa to promote constructive Christian–Muslim relations, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. Its presence at the Vatican served as recognition of its significant contribution to interfaith understanding and peacebuilding on the continent and beyond.

For PROCMURA, it was a huge privilege to attend the 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate and to represent PROCMURA among global religious leaders. The celebration reminded us of how far we have come and how vital it remains to continue nurturing cooperation and mutual respect among all faith communities.

This historic moment reaffirmed PROCMURA’s conviction that genuine dialogue and cooperation between faiths are essential for building inclusive and peaceful societies. As PROCMURA continues its work across Africa through community forums, youth engagement, women’s empowerment initiatives, and interfaith training, the spirit of Nostra Aetate remains a guiding light.

_{Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate at the Vatican, Italy.}

Over the years, PROCMURA has remained committed to upholding the spirit celebrated at the Vatican, guided by our Overall goal of building constructive relations between the Christian and Muslim communities, promoting the spirit of religious freedom and all that it entails, and jointly working together to promote peace in society and peaceful coexistence.