|
WASHINGTON D.C (June 2, 2006) – The
Hindu American Foundation today welcomed a statement that
was the outcome of an inter-faith dialogue organized by the
Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Vatican City
(the Vatican), and the Office on Inter-religious Relations
& Dialogue of the World Council of Churches, Geneva (the
WCC). The inter-faith meeting was entitled, “Conversion:
Assessing the Reality”, and met in Lariano, Italy on
May 12-16, 2006. The meeting was attended by representatives
of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and the
Yoruba religion.
The participants affirmed that while everyone
has a right to invite others to an understanding of their
faith, it should not be exercised by violating other's rights
and religious sensibilities. Delegates agreed that freedom
of religion enjoins upon everyone the equally non-negotiable
responsibility to respect, and never to denigrate, vilify
or misrepresent others’ faiths for the purpose of affirming
superiority of one’s own beliefs. The statement also
called upon everyone “to heal themselves from the obsession
of converting others.”
“The reflections and recommendations
from the inter-faith summit, while not unanimous, are nevertheless
consonant with the pluralistic tenets of Hinduism,”
said Ishani Chowdhury, Executive Director of the Hindu American
Foundation. “Hinduism’s acceptance of a multitude
of paths to the divine is critical to fostering peace in today’s
global society -- and it is such a perspective that fosters
respect for others beliefs rather than mere tolerance.”
The statement also recommended reforms to
ensure that conversion by "unethical" means are
rejected by all; that humanitarian work is conducted without
any ulterior motives; and that vulnerable sections of society,
such as children and the disabled, are not exploited. Chowdhury
was clear that aggressive proselytizing and the exploitation
of the vulnerable and destitute is unethical in every regard.
“Hindu traditions are not unfamiliar
with the religious motive of sharing one's conviction and
persuading others about its validity,” said Prof. Anantanand
Rambachan, Professor of Religion, Philosophy and Asian Studies
at Saint Olaf College, Minnesota, a Hindu participant at the
conference. “However, absence of institutionalization
and centralization meant that there were no organized and
systematic efforts to supplant different viewpoints and religious
diversity was seen as a natural reflection of the diversity
of human nature and experience.”
Hindu scriptures state that truth is anirvachaniya
– it exceeds the comprehension and verbal description
of any one tradition and thus justifies theological humility.
In this context, Hinduism respects – an individual’s
freedom of exercise of religious inquiry and choice free from
any pressure of aggressive proselytization. In fact, Hindus
perceive aggressive proselytization itself as a form of violence,
to be shunned by the truly spiritual.
The interfaith dialogue in Larino was the
first in a series of three planned discussions under the auspices
of the Vatican and the WCC on the matter of conversion, although
the next two are expected to be intra-Christian meetings.
The exercise aims to evolve a “code of conduct”
on conversion, which all faiths could follow.
“It is promising that religious leaders
can meet and talk frankly about a matter that is often a deep
source of tension among religions,” said Pawan Deshpande,
Executive Council member of the Hindu American Foundation.
“We are hopeful that the final code of conduct will
reflect the perspectives of all faiths and a pluralistic ethos
so necessary to ensure peace and mutual respect.”
The Hindu American Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3), non-partisan organization, promoting the Hindu
and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism.
|
