GHR funds RfP’s Center of Excellence for Multi-Religious Conflict Transformation and their program Protecting Vulnerable Children through Inter-religious Cooperation in Myanmar.
Under the theme “Buddhist and Christians Together Promoting Fraternity” more than 60 Catholic leaders, Vatican officials and Buddhist convened to discern shared values, identify common challenges and develop joint responses to contemporary challenges both communities are committed to address.
Archbishop Felix Machado, Chairman for the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue in India and for the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference, stated, "dialogue of collaboration among Buddhists and Christians could help the plight of many children today throughout the world, including orphans and those deprived of parental love and affection, the bonded labors, those forced to participate in brutal wars, those allured to participate in trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, those used as drug peddlers, those who become victims of arms dealers.”
Venerable Prof. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace, presented the work of RfP Sri Lanka's multi-religious pre-school for children of all religions and ethnicities in Vavunia, the place severely affected by the country’s civil war.
"Buddhist and Christian leaders should work with leaders of other faiths in responding to inter-communal tensions and violence and make joint public appearances to promote interreligious harmony," Venerable Dhammajothi said.
The participants issued the final statement and action plan and committed to develop concrete measures of cultivating "fraternity" between two major religious traditions and beyond in their respective communities, countries and globally.
If you’re interested in partnering with GHR to support inter-religious collaboration, contact us.