The famous and now oft quoted thought of Mahatma Gandhi, which was recently used by President Obama in his speech at Delhi, speaks volumes of the beauty of religions. Gandhi’s profound belief was, “For me different religions are flowers from the same garden or they are branches of the same tree”. With the exception of a few, most countries have people of all faiths, though India steals the show on this front.
Yet, haven’t we heard it said umpteen times that religion has been the cause of the largest numbers of wars in the world? But, on the other hand, is it also not true that yet greater number of works of charity or peace-building initiatives have been undertaken in the name of religion? It is also true that most people of different religions live and actually prefer to exist in peace with one another.
The UN General Assembly, in a resolution adopted on October 20, 2010, proposed “World Interfaith Harmony Week” is the first week of February. In its resolution declaring the week as interfaith harmony week, it said, “(UN) encourages all countries to support interfaith harmony in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, based on the love of God and love of one’s neighbour according to their own traditions or convictions”.
It is believed that Jordan’s Prince Ghazi had presented the resolution to the General Assembly saying, “Our world is rife with religious tension. The misuse of religions can cause strife, while it should be a foundation for facilitating peace.” Being involved in efforts towards inter-religious dialogue for over three decades now, I can say with confidence that there are more people involved in this mission than those on dividing people on the basis of religion. The unfortunate thing is that the voices of the minority, people who know little about their own religion, are heard louder than others. In the interfaith meetings we find how much we all share in common and how our world could indeed be better united living in peace, only if we all joined in this effort.
Father Dominic Emmanuel, afounder-member of Parliament of Religion, can be contacted at frdominic@gmail.com
