By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, Nov 16, 2019: On a stopover in Kolkata on the last leg of his first visit to northeastern India, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, met with leaders of various religions in Kolkata.
The cardinal expressed happiness over interfaith unity, harmony and brotherhood he witnessed among the leaders on November 13.
“I am deeply touched by the religious brotherhood and respect shown by the minority delegation of Muslim and Buddhist leaders who spent fellowship time,” said the cardinal who is known for his leadership among the Religions for Peace movement.
Among the delegation that met the 72-year old cardinal were: Member of Ministry of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education, Government of West Bengal Arunjyoti Bihikkhu; Imam-e-Juma of Kashipur Kolkata and Member of West Bengal Waqf Board Moulana Syed Meher Abbas Rizvi; Buddhist Monk Bodhimay Bhikku; social activist Mohammed Ehteshamul Haque; another social activist Raja, and others.
Six minority communities in West Bengal are Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis.
Commenting on the role religions could play in today’s situations of religious strife, intolerance and persecution in different parts of the world, the cardinal said, “Diversity should not be seen as a threat, but are to be celebrate. It is unity in diversity that enriches humanity, otherwise we will never have peace in the world.”
The cardinal while praising the inter-religious harmony witnessed in Kolkata visit, encouraged religious leaders to come together and work for peace and development, and social and religious harmony.
Concluding the meeting, the cardinal embraced all who came to meet him, and encouraged them to work for peace, harmony and brotherhood.
Salesian Cardinal Bo is also the president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences” consisting of 26 countries, member of the “Pontifical Council for Culture and Consecrated Life (Rome), and member of the “Pontifical Commission for Communication (Rome).