- Religious scholars asked to promote tolerance, patience
Peace and Harmony Network Pakistan – an association of scholars and representatives from different religions and faiths – has asked religious scholars and intellectuals to spread universal message of peace and promote tolerance and patience in national character to avoid incidents of intolerance in future.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Peace and Harmony Network Pakistan Co-Chairperson Bishop Dr Andrew Francis, Secretary General Javaid William and Archbishop Sebastian Shaw asked the government to arrange seminars, symposiums and open public forums besides debates on television channels on inter- and intra-faith peace and harmony.
He pointed out that sectarian unrest and continued violent incidents in different areas reflect failure of institutions and lack of tolerance in the society. “We have to work together for finding a solution to prevent actions that offend religious sentiments, incite violence or acts of violence and intolerance in our society,” said Bishop Dr Andrew Francis, who is also the chairman of the Catholic Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism.
Javaid William said that hate speeches and sermons should be stopped immediately. He urged religious scholars (ulema) to play their positive role in promoting sectarian harmony and unity among people of different faiths. He also called upon the general public to maintain unity within their ranks and don’t let the relationship of mutual respect and affection die down. He described sectarian hatred and intolerance as a conspiracy against the peace loving and peace supporting people and unity of Pakistan.
Archbishop Sebastian Shaw also asked the government to give complete security to every citizen in Pakistan. For a more tolerant society, Peace and Harmony Network will soon arrange a series of discussions with scholars of different ‘schools of thought’.
