2014-10-28 17:15:00

Indonesia: First Interreligious Congress dedicated to "true brotherhood"


It was a new and unique initiative of its kind at a national level: "A congress dedicated to brotherhood, which was attended by not only the followers of the great religions, but also followers of traditional beliefs and spiritual movement" explains Fr. Aloys Budi Purnomo, chairman of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Semarang.

The Congress, held from October 24 to 26, brought together 812 participants, who gave life to colorful intercultural celebrations, performed by 250 children, adolescents and young adults. The event was enriched by cultural and religious performances. The Congress, just to emphasize the sense of fraternity, was held in open places and public buildings, such as the square of Muntilan, in Central Java.

The participants listened to the messages of six officially recognized religions in Indonesia (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Protestantism and Catholicism) and a traditional belief. The Archbishop of Semarang, Johannes Pujasumarta, greeted the assembly on behalf of the Catholic Church.

At the end of the event, the Congress issued a statement in four points: firstly, the generosity of the interreligious meeting was highlighted; Secondly, gratitude was expressed towards the speakers who strengthened in believers the dream of "true brotherhood", expressed in the motto of the Indonesian nation, which is "unity in diversity". Participants then undertake to work continuously for dialogue and to put into practice the teaching of respect for others, spreading the "good news of fraternity" in families, neighborhoods, workplaces, religious communities.

(Agenzia Fides) 








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