By AC Michael
New Delhi, Feb. 24, 2019: Heads of different religions in India have pledged to promote inter-religious harmony in the country.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in association with Federation of Catholic Associations of Archdiocese of Delhi and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) India, organized “Peace Solidarity Convention” (Aman-Bhaichara Sammelan) on Feb 23 at Yusuf Sadan, Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi.
Acharya Sushil Goswami Maharaj, national president, Parliament of all Religions, in his keynote address, said, “India is unique in its unity in diversity.”
He said a greater responsibility rests on religious leaders because of the great influence they have over people. He spoke of how the Constitution of India is common for all citizens and gives equal status for all persons before the law.
“Though we hold different beliefs, no one must be allowed to divide us. The whole world is mine, and I respect people of all faiths. My Hindu religion does not permit me to act otherwise,” he added.
Imam Umar Ahmed Illyasi from Islam said, “We are all brothers. We are all humans, despite our diverse religious beliefs.”
He said that the violent mob is not human but satanic. He recalled the horrific 1984 riots and brutal murder of Australian Graham Staines and his two children. He urged everyone to stand united against the small minority in their communities, who instigate hate and violence.
Sardar Paramjeet Singh Chandok quoted the words of Guru Nanak and the Guru Grant Sahib on the message of Universal Brotherhood and service to all mankind. He urged all present that if only all stand together, this land will always be a land of peace.
A.K. Merchant read out the resolution taken by followers of the Bahai Faith. He spoke of the need to overcome the challenge to national integration. The ethos of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam” (the whole world is a family) could only have been given by India. He said the forces of disintegration and terrorism must be combated with tact and mature deliberation and a peaceful response. The power of unity must prevail.
“We should have a deep commitment of solidarity with people of other faiths,” he added.
While welcoming the participants, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of CBCI, outlined the objective of the meeting. He urged all present to confine themselves to making statements of communal harmony and solidarity and refrain from making any political statements.
Bishop Mascarenhas spoke of the choice that India made in the aftermath of the partitioning between Pakistan and India in 1947 from the British and independence of the nation.
“India made a conscious decision to be a multicultural, multi-religious, pluralistic nation, unlike Pakistan which became an Islamic Republic. This unique identity and idea of India must be preserved,” the bishop said.
He said that what makes a nation a superpower is not its firepower but rather the strength of its character, peace and harmony. This is the fire that enlightens and inspires, not one that destroys and burns down, he added.
Monsignor Susai Sebastian of Delhi archdiocese said that each person needs to understand one’s own respective faiths. Religious leaders must instruct others in their own faith in order to preserve peace and harmony among people.
Distinguishing faith and religion, he said that faith is personal, whereas religion is organized. He urged one and all to never stop their pursuit of the truth. He quoted the Holy Bible in saying, “We must be children of a compassionate God who rains and shines on all people, good and bad.”
Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar had just returned from Jerusalem and said that he had prayed for the convention while in the Holy Land. He said that he brings the blessing of Shalom Shabaat which instructs on the importance of prayer, repentance and charity.
He said that acceptance is greater than tolerance and love is greater than non-violence.
“We must visit the holy places of all religions. We must focus on our commonalities and desist from making criticism. We must learn how to spread love. Follow one; respect all. He said intra-faith dialogue is as important as inter-faith dialogue,” he added.
Rev. Sunil Ghazan, “We talk about international borders, but we have borders within ourselves. We do not accept our own brethren.”
He quoted the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘Love God, love your neighbor as yourself.’ No one has seen God, but if we look for Him with a true heart, we will find him in our brethren. We must lead people to become religious, not communal. We must esteem others as better than ourselves, and not see them as threats.”
Swami Veer Singh Hitkari Maharaj said that he was inspired by the life and teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas Maharaj.
“We are first human and should not go against any person or religion. We can only have Aman and Bhaichara when the lower strata of society and the higher strata of society are able to sit together. Let the seeds of hatred and violence make way for love,” he added.
All religious leaders signed the peace solidarity resolution and stood together in solidarity.
More than 100 people attended it. Last year ADF India had three such programs in Indore, Varanasi and Jaipur.