Social cohesion: Two workshops held to facilitate religious harmony

Recommended books on ethics for supplementary reading material in schools

PESHAWAR: Two separate training workshops aimed at facilitating dialogue and cooperation across religious and sectarian lines were held for minorities in Kohat and Peshawar. The goal of the sessions organised by Peace Education and Development (PEAD) Foundation in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) in Peshawar and Catholic Church Kohat was to address extremism, prevent conflicts and strengthen social cohesion in the country, specifically in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This was stated in a press release issued on Sunday.

Addressing participants, University of Peshawar former vice chancellor Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz who was also training people at the session, said it was inevitable minorities would be dominated and overshadowed by people following the majority religion.

“All religions sermonise similar truths and virtues which, along with social and cultural ethics, can be built upon to enhance interfaith bonding in the districts and the country,” the document quoted Ayaz as saying.

Religion and the human agency

According to the handout, PEAD Programme Manager Shagufta Khalique said religions, throughout human history, have inspired and justified the full range of human agency – from heinous to heroic.



“The influence of religions remains potent at the dawn of the 21st century despite modern predictions that religious influences would steadily decline with the rise of secular democracies and advances in science,” she said. “That is why PEAD Foundation has taken the initiative to intervene as faith leaders play a key role in the lives of the community.”

Khalique added unless acceptance and tolerance is not inculcated in the minds of individuals, sustainable peace will be a difficult goal to achieve.

According to the handout, Kohat Catholic Church priest Arshad Nayer said the workshop was the first worthy initiative by any civil society organisation in Kohat. He added it was time for churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras to take on the responsibility of promoting peace.

Pandit Sham Lal Nayer and pandit Ashok emphasised all religions lay down guidelines for believers as well as non-believers. They quoted incidents from the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Jesus Christ, Joseph and other religious personalities who set examples of peace-building and love for humanity.

According to the document, during the workshop, study of various religions was recommended. Participants decided books on ethics should be used as supplementary reading material in schools to promote a positive image of all religions and their leaders.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2016.