Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk
NEASDEN, UNITED KINGDOM, November 21, 2009: Catholic Archbishop Nichols was greeted by the Neasden BAPS Mandir’s spiritual leader, Yogvivek Swami (Head Sadhu, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha – UK & Europe) and the Trustees of the Mandir, during a celebration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday. The Archbishop was welcomed in traditional Hindu style – with a red vermillion mark applied to the forehead and the tying of a sacred thread on the wrist, symbolizing friendship and goodwill. But the act of the Archbishop offering flowers at the altar of Hindu Deities has stirred up controversy.
Inter-faith dialogue is often a minefield for Christian leaders. Some traditional Catholics are baffled and angry, as discussion on the internet reveals. You can read their comments at source.
Yogvivek Swami also guided the Archbishop around to the shrine of Shri Nilkanth Varni (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) where they in prayed for world peace and harmony.