Inter-Faith Dialogue .. Keeping The Faith
The OPSG–IRO Inter-Faith Dialogues are held for each religion according to the chronology of the advent of the different religions Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Baha’i Faith. And at times we will hold certain topics of key importance based on the current affairs in the society.
OnePeople.sg held an inter-faith dialogue session, ‘Keeping the Faith’ with guest speaker Imam Nurayn Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye who was flown down from Abuja, Nigeria at the Hall of Trust on Tuesday, 12th July.
Imam Ashafa and Pastor James led opposing armed militias, dedicated to defending their respective communities during the violent civil unrest in Nigeria in 1987. The two gentlemen went through an amazing change of heart after they were on separate occasions, advised by their spiritual leaders to live true to their religious convictions and cease the violence. They resolved their conflict and went on to set up the Inter-Faith Mediation Centre to facilitate peace-building efforts between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Imam Ashafa and Pastor James have received several international awards for their inter-faith work and have traveled to different countries to share their experiences.
Around 40 people of which includes the religious representatives, grassroots and youths attended the dialogue where they were first shown a short introduction video of the Imam and Pastor followed by a dialogue with the speakers where they share their experiences on their peace building efforts in their hometown of Abuja, Nigeria.
The attendees also had a meaningful exchange with the speakers where they share the framework for peace building from their own experiences.The interactive dialogue was an eye opener to some while to others it offers fresh perspectives on how harmony here in Singapore can be better fostered in view of issues as rising immigration. This dialogue also manage to show that the experience of reconciliation and collaboration in spreading and promoting peace holds a very powerful and inspirational story which should be shared and use as an example.
