Religious leaders of every faith have a duty to resist extremism and to teach a dialogue of peace to their followers, Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev.Rt.Hon Dr.Justin Welby said on Thursday.
“For Christians, peace building is not optional. It is not something you add to make yourself especially good Christians,” he said.
The spiritual head of the Anglican Church,on a visit in Sri Lanka, stated this addressing an inter faith meeting held at the Diocesan Office in Colombo yesterday. The meeting was held with the participation of religious leaders including Most Ven. Ittapane Dhammalankara Nayake Thera.
“In every faith tradition, there is a trace in extremist attitudes including in Christianity. The challenge of discussion between all faiths has become more difficult in the last three to four decades,” he said adding that first is the taking of responsibility and the second is honesty.
“Dialogue is where we are honest and where we open the doors of our hearts.When we begin to recognise each other as human beings, then the dialogue becomes fruitful”, he added.
The Archbishop said the attacks on Easter Sunday were attacks on human beings and they were condemned around the world by the leaders of all faiths.
Most Ven. Ittapane Dhammalankara Nayake Thera said if the followers of different faiths are living in co-existence within a society, it is a relief to the entire world.
He said the religious co-existence in Sri Lanka will be a huge strength towards the future journey of the country. “Interreligious co-existence still exists in Sri Lanka,” the Nayake Thera said. He wished remained so for a long time in the country. Hindu and Islam religious representatives also invoked blessings at this occasion. This meeting was organised by the Church of Ceylon.
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