Loading

Spreading Light: 2022 Kazakh Interfaith Summit

St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, White Plains, NY

It was encouraging to see Pope Francis demonstrated courage to attend the 2022 Kazakh Interfaith Summit despite objections from the dying minority that cling to the archaic and obsolete “one true religion” view that is antithetical to God's love, limits the power of the resurrection, monopolizes Jesus Christ’s saving grace and has caused so much human grief and suffering through the ages. During this conference, participants referenced the historic “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi, UAE (February 2019).

During his closing speech, Pope Francis reinforced Point 10 of the summit’s declaration – “We note that pluralism and differences in religion, skin color, gender, race, and language are expressions of the wisdom of God’s will in creation. …any incident of coercion to a particular religion and religious doctrine is unacceptable”[1] – declaring “extremism, radicalism, terrorism and all other forms of violence and wars, whatever their goals, have nothing to do with true religion and must be rejected in the strongest possible term.” He also called on “world leaders to ‘abandon all aggressive and destructive rhetoric which leads to destabilization… and to cease from conflict and bloodshed…”[2]
_________

[1] Hannah Brockhaus. Kazakhstan interreligious congress adopts declaration calling religious pluralism ‘God’s will.’ CAN (Catholic News Agency). 21 September 2022. www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252298/kazakhstan-interreligious-congress-adopts-declaration-calling-religious-pluralism-gods-will

[2] Nicole Winfield. Pope criticized over interfaith event. The Journal News. 10 September 2022. 3A.
Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

All rights reserved

Report this photo as inappropriate

42 comments

Armando Taborda said:

Only true ecumenism will pacify the world!

You did another excellent and profound poster/reflection, William!
18 months ago

William Sutherland said:

It is and until everyone recognizes it, there can be no hope for an end to religious violence. :( Stay well!
18 months ago

Malik Raoulda said:

Le congrès multiconfessionnel semble le plus approprié avec l'ensemble des religions et des confessions.
Un rendu bien évocateur et très révélateur.
Bonne soirée.
18 months ago ( translate )

William Sutherland said:

Thank you Malik and well said. Stay well!
18 months ago

@ngélique ❤️ said:

Belle création mon ami ****************
18 months ago ( translate )

vero said:

très belle création d'art paix et amour pour le monde entier et pour toutes les religieux peace and love William
18 months ago ( translate )

William Sutherland said:

Thank you @ngelique and Vero! Stay well!
18 months ago

* ઇઉ * said:

A magnificent work focusing on the one who gave his life exemplary for peace and reconciliation!

The eternal, senseless bloodshed must indeed come to an end.
But until that happens, fanaticism, greed, hatred, and envy will claim many more victims ...

Stay well, William!
18 months ago

Günter Klaus said:

Da hast du einen sehr schöner Beitrag zusammen gestellt lieber William,da geb ich dir Recht,das ist schön,dass der Papst diese Reise auf sich genommen hat:))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Nachmittag,ganz liebe Grüße Güni :))
18 months ago ( translate )

J.Garcia said:

Christ with open arms welcoming all kinds of pluralism!
Wonderful creation and great words, William!
18 months ago

©UdoSm said:

Hi William, I hope you understand that I am not saying anything about this, otherwise I would have to deal with 'the same' between the words of the Pope and the action of the Church and certain representatives of it.
18 months ago

William Sutherland replied to ©UdoSm:

I understand Udo. Neutrality isn't a bad thing to avoid conflict with the differences of opinion.
18 months ago

Annaig56 said:

magnifique,,,
18 months ago ( translate )

William Sutherland said:

Thank you * ઇઉ *, Gunter, Judite, Udo and Annaig! Stay well!
18 months ago

Gary Schotel said:

Nicely created image.
18 months ago