Religious leaders pledge to promote unity, diversify in south India

Various religious heads in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu have pledged to promote unity and diversity.   

“Our world is faced with a variety of challenges, such as unemployment and natural calamities that affect people whom we should assist. Let us give a voice to the voiceless and promote unity and diversity," said Bishop Lawrence Pius Dorairaj of Dharmapuri.

He was speaking at the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC) Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue that met with all the diocesan secretaries of Tamil Nadu and leaders from various religions at the Bishop's House in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, on March 31.

The promotion of inter-religious dialogue is an essential aspect of the Church. It fosters better understanding among the different religions and paves a way for peaceful coexistence, especially in the Indian context, said Lawrence, the chairman of the commission.

The theme of this meeting was “Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism in the perspective of Pope Francis.” 

Father John Bosco B, secretary of dialogical communication, Kumbakonam diocese, said, “We have not gathered here to debate and triumph but to understand the reality of religion.”

“There is no division among people. We are called to follow that ‘God is one,’” he said. 

The event was held echoing Pope Francis’ emphasis on the importance of interreligious dialogue.  The Holy Father has insisted to foster fraternity among different religious leaders.

“Understanding other religions will help us to develop our relationship with them. Discussion with people belonging to different religions was promoted by all the diocesan secretaries,” said Father John Bosco.

In his talk, Jannab Muhammad Yunus M, head of Sathysollai, Kumbakonam, highlighted the relationship among all the religions without showing any partiality.

Thiruvadikudil Swami, the founder of the Yotimalai Worship Congregation in Kukur, Tamil Nadu, said, “Spirituality is developing our humanity in our lives." 

“Kavvi (saffron colour) means dedication to oneself and self-sacrifice. It represents the lives of others. That is why it is included in the Indian National flag. Let us look at Kaavi as a sacrifice, not as a particular religion,” the Hindu religious leader said. 

A resolution was taken that "all are equal in the world, so we should respect other people's feelings and emotions."

“We have to raise our voices against injustice and serve the poor and needy. By using the media and social media, as well as other means, we can spread these messages to all educational institutions,” said Father Amirthasamy A, vicar general of the Kumbakonam diocese.

Gnanadass Paster, a pastor of Assembly of God, Kumbakonam, South India, explained that ecumenism is about making healthy relationships with one another and about helping others.

Father Bosco Gunaseelan P, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council’s Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue, coordinated the event.