by AK Merchant *
The testimony of the Bahá’í exponent AK Merchant who in recent days participated with a delegation of 25 people of different faiths from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi in the event promoted in Castelgandolfo on unity in spirituality, the path to peace indicated by Chiara Lubich. “A very timely testimony in today’s world.”
Castelgandolfo () – From May 31 to June 4, between Castelgandolfo and Assisi, the Focolare Movement organized a congress on “One human family”, which – based on the spirituality of Chiara Lubich – brought together hundreds of religious and scholars of different religions from 50 countries around the world. From India, Baha’i exponent AK Mechant shared with his reflections on the importance of this event.
Radical changes that occur in a nation or society are often characterized by a series of impulsive emotions and behaviors. On the other hand, the project “A single human family”, launched by the Focolare Movement almost ten years ago, finally saw the light at the beginning of this month of June in Castelgandolfo, in five intense days of plenaries, workshops and testimonies, all This inspired by the idea that “unity in spirituality will lead to peace”, very current in today’s world.
In this short article, I would like to offer my impressions of the group of about 25 participants from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi, representing a heterogeneous set of faiths and religious practices: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, the Baha’i faith and agnostics.
After a warm and joyful welcome from Margaret Karram, president, and Jesús Morán, co-president of the Focolare Movement, the distinguished plenary speakers reviewed Chiara Lubich’s teachings on fraternity and peace, but also the increasingly important challenges today, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on interpersonal relationships and between religions, the need for an economy of peace and the role of religions in the care of creation. As General Secretary of the Temple of Understanding Foundation in India and co-organizer of the Moksha Trust World Peace Summit, I also had the opportunity to share with other religious leaders the educational projects we have initiated in the northern province of Sri Lanka.
The participants – religious leaders and academics from more than fifty countries – were united in an attempt to demonstrate that the “human family” is “one” and has always been “one.” Deviation from the path of spirituality has caused enormous suffering and death to millions of people, as is still evident today. The knowledge and practical teachings to follow the path towards a united world are clearly visible and there is no shortage of spiritual and pragmatic guidance. Many speakers, for example, referred to the 2030 Agenda-Sustainable Development Goals, the wide range of programs and projects focused on different aspects of the social and economic life of the human family, such as economics, politics, justice , dialogue, ecology, art, for a better understanding of our reality, for reflection and action, to delve deeper into the issues and to act together.
On June 3, a select number of 200 participants met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. “Your testimony – said the Pope – is a source of joy and consolation, especially in these times of conflict, in which religion is often abused to fuel divisions. Indeed, interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace world and, therefore, a duty of Christians and other religious communities. I encourage you, therefore, to move forward, always open and docile to the action of the Holy Spirit. The next day, the entire group of participants headed to Assisi on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Francis.
The hospitality of the Focolare brothers and sisters, the new friendships and the experiences of these days offered a powerful demonstration of human communion despite the great diversity of faiths, languages, countries and ages (from young to old). It was a great privilege to have been able to participate in this historic conference.
* National leader and secretary of the Lotus Temple and the Bahá’í Community of India
(collaborated: Nirmala Carvalho)
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