Editorial - Inter-religious dialogue for unity in diversity

3 September 2012 06:30 pm - 1 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The continuing controversy over the animal sacrifices at the Munneswaran Temple has created religious tension though the temple priests at the request of the President have decided to put off the animal sacrifices because the hallowed Kapilavasthu Relics are in Sri Lanka.

Most people including the Hindu Congress itself said they opposed or were appalled by the sacrifice of hundreds of goats and fowls to a deity. Their views are understandable, but we also need to understand the temple's right to carry out such rituals, because various religions including the Jews of the Old Testament offered animal sacrifice in the belief that God accepted them, but the Lord Jesus Christ rejected such practices.

Extremists, who take advantage of such issues, need to be reminded that at least 100,000 chickens and thousands of cattle, goats and pigs are killed every day in Sri Lanka for human consumption, so are thousands of fish, prawns, sprats and other sea creatures. But not many people are horrified by these because they do not see the terrible killing behind the tasty dishes.

Earlier extremist groups created religious tension by threatening to destroy a mosque in the sacred city of Dambulla. Some Christian churches in Deniyaya were also attacked by extremists who claimed they were trying to convert people in Buddhist villages.

Racial tension and disputes since independence provoked a three-decade war in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed, paralysed for life, injured, displaced and made destitute. The damage to the economy and property was incalculable.

The Rajapaksa Government needs to take quick and effective action against any group that tries to create religious tension or provoke religious violence. It must act as former President Chandrika Kumaratunga did in the aftermath of the death of the well-known preacher Ven. Soma Thera. Some extremists alleged there had been a Christian plot to kill him, and reports said they were planning to attack churches and residences of pastors on Christmas Eve, when the monk was cremated. But the President acted fast and told the Police to give full protection to churches and residences of pastors. She warned that even if one stone was thrown, the officer-in-charge of the police station would be held responsible.

Positive action for religious harmony also needs to be taken to counter the plots of extremists. For example Colombo’s Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has decided to take some positive steps to build religious unity in diversity. He will be writing to all parish priests, directing them to have a regular dialogue and maintain close ties with the Buddhist monks, Hindu and Muslim religious leaders in their areas. Others also need to follow this example and consolidate religious unity in diversity so that we will have people who are not selfish or greedy but are selfless, sacrificial and ready to help or serve others.

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Comments - 1

Hiran Tuesday, 04 September 2012 03:46 AM

Dear Editor - What makes you think converting poor villages by giving them money is not violence?

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Editorial - Inter-religious dialogue for unity in diversity

Comments - 1

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