Interfaith and Tolerance
"On this International Day of Tolerance, I call on all
people and governments to actively combat fear,
hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding
and mutual respect. Let us advance against the
forces of division and unite for our shared future."
- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
On 16 November, our Minister of the Word, Rev Chris Lockley attended the
celebration of the International Day of Tolerance at the Canberra Inter Faith Forum,
speaking on behalf of Christian Churches. Afterwards Chris shared, via social media,
that he “Had a wonderful evening sharing messages of tolerance and peace with
Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and others. And an excellent Indian
vegetarian meal.”
How timely that this International Day was so soon after the events in Beirut and Paris
in which so many people were killed and injured because of all the things the day is
about combatting.
It has been encouraging to read some excellent articles in both mainstream and social
media in the wake of the events, reminding us of the daily atrocities in many other
parts of the world, including Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Gaza. And let us not forget places
such as Kenya where a Massacre of 148 students took place earlier this year.
Here is just one comment from a blogger and Instagram user, Karuna Ezara Parikh,
a young woman from India: “I woke this morning deeply disturbed by the news
from #Paris, but more amazed by the attention it received on social media. I understand Paris is a beloved and familiar space for a lot of people, but it troubled me
that #Beirut, a city my father grew up in, had received so little attention after the
horrific bombings two days earlier. It also troubled me that #Baghdad, a place I have
absolutely no connection with, received even less attention after the senseless
bombing that took place there last week. Worst of all, I found the understanding of the
refugee crisis skewed and simplistic. If you've been following the journeys of the
people leaving their homes around the world right now, perhaps you'll understand why
the words #SyrianRefugeeCrisis are just as devastating as #PrayForParis. It's time to
pray for humanity. It is time to make all places beloved. It's time to pray for the world.”
Mercy be upon those of all faiths and no faith who shudder with
grief, and strength be to those who work for peace. We pray.
St Margaret's News
8
November 2015