On that Easter Sunday, I heard breaking news of the tragic bombings of Christian churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that were being reported as co-ordinated attacks. My heart sank and I was filled with sadness. How the people of Sri Lanka suffered, having endured a lengthy, 26-year civil war that ended in 2009. Finally at peace within itself, the country was busily ramping up its tourist industry, rebuilding, and hopeful of bringing prosperity to the people who endured great distress during the war... Suddenly, the devastating bombings occurred. It was a shocking jolt that suspended all sensibilities. The recent tragedies of the bombings of the Christian churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, the shootings at the mosques in New Zealand, and the synagogues in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and San Diego, California, and all of the violence taking place around the world, accelerated my own inner resolve to do my part, however small it may be, to help make this world a better place. Global ethicist Hans Kung said there can be “no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions.” Interfaith dialogue and co-operation are increasingly important modalities to counter the polarisation of religious communities against each other. Such polarisations destabilise economic prosperity, lives and societal tranquillity. To succumb to such polarisation is to give further fuel and support to hatred, sectarianism, and violence. Our real work is to fuel and support peace, harmony, respect for others, and to discover ways in which we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of each other’s religion, culture, and traditions. |
