Between 18 and 25 January WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
Between 18 and 25 January
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“That they may become one in your hand”
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An article: Building inter-religious unity
Society changes so quickly! Our community at Boomgaardstraat is surrounded by people who have come from distant lands to set up home here. They bring with them great richness in terms of cultures and religions and we see this in a very positive light.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a formation session organised by “United Religions”. The aim of the formation was to seek unity in the diversity of religions and so to help one another to build peace and understanding among diverse cultures and religions. Participants came from about twenty different countries and belonging to eight religions. In an atmosphere of mutual respect, we considered how each of us is invited to live the law of love. It was amazing to see how closely related the different texts were.Christianity: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We are all children of
the same Father”
Judaism: “Do not do to your neighbour what you would not like done unto you”
Islam: “Do unto others what you would like them to do unto you”
Buddhism: “Do not do to others what you would consider harmful to yourself”
Taoism: “ Rejoice in the prosperity of your neighbour as you would rejoice in your own”
Unitarianism: “Respect every living thing of which we are all a part”
Sikhism: “Be friends with everyone”
Hinduism: This is the greatest commandment: wish for others what you would wish for yourselves”There was much good will…the different religions together can be a source of peace for the future.
This international movement is a union of all religions and cultures with the aim of helping
one another to put an end to violence by means of reflection based on religion.The following points are emphasised:
- The need to build a society where it is possible to live in peace and justice
- Build bridges between the different peoples and cultures
- Respect the “holy wisdom” of each spiritual movement
- Encourage the members to study more deeply the wisdom of their own religion
- Listen and speak with respect
- Build mutual understanding
- Welcome difference as a gift
- Practise non- violence, seek integration and reconciliation in cases of conflict
- Encourage healthy ecologically friendly customs so as to protect the richness of Mother Earth
If you would like to know more about this subject, articles and photographs can be found at the following website: www.unitedreligions.Denise Van Der Laenen Community of Boomgaardstraat - Anvers