Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Fusion of faith
Awareness and respect for different faiths can lead to social harmony and individual strength. Here, an Interfaith member relates a personal experience
When we started off Interfaith, we created so much controversy and debate that I wondered if we had just announced that we were forming a left-wing party bent on banning imported chocolate, rather than a society that would bring us closer not only to other religions but to our own as well.

Much of the initial opposition came from people who believed that religion is one of those topics best left alone. I can’t help but disagree. Religion is a part of who we are. The Interfaith Society not only provides us with an opportunity to ‘strengthen belief by discovering our own religion’ but is different from other religious societies as it leads us to ‘respect other religions’ as well.

The two aspects of the Interfaith mission are accomplished in two separate ways. Firstly, twice a month ‘singular’ meetings are held. In these meetings, each religion meets separately and discusses their religion. This is done in numerous ways – discussing current ‘teenage-issues’ in relation to religion or by means of inviting guest speakers or even showing religious movies. The point is to make the process of learning religion – which is vital for grounded individuals in modern society – fun and interesting as well as enlightening. Thus, the first part of the Interfaith goal is accomplished.

The second part is implemented through our general meetings where we join to organise diverse projects and religious – and cultural – assemblies. Here, we work together to see our projects through and in the process learn to work with and aid students of other religions. By learning about other faiths, you learn that stripped down to the basics, all faiths are similar and hence we learn to respect other religions for what they are. Interfaith is not a society to convert students (as all religions are represented) but rather to form more rounded individuals as they enter the ‘real’ world, where the ability to live in harmony, with mutual respect, for people from different religions is invaluable. After all, every religion advocates peace and goodwill. Whilst keeping in mind that it may, and probably will, take decades to solve the age-old problem of religious intolerance, it is also true that a journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step. Therefore, if the aspect that ‘religions are like the fingers of the hand – different yet working best together’ is etched into students, through Interfaith, at a young age, maybe there is a hope of that ‘one-day’…someday.

The society has come a long way since its inauguration in November 2003, with opposition falling to near nil and with most initial ‘opposers’ currently active Interfaith members. Despite the different religions and diverse cultures, the club is united – with its members sharing the same objectives and goals. Together we have successfully completed all religious and cultural assemblies and a myriad of finance, club service and community service projects, including last year’s Christmas programme at the terminally-ill ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital and also the recent visit and donation to the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital.

At a time where religious and racial violence threatens to push our country back to the days of civil war, this club represents hope. Hope for a country sans violence. Hope for a country where its people will come together as Sri-Lankans despite their different races, religions and cultures. In a nutshell, well, just pure and simple – hope.

A presentation on Interfaith will be conducted by the founding Interfaith Society of Asian International School at the AIS premises during the second week of December. All students interested in starting Interfaith in their schools or for further inquiries please contact: Asini – 2786108 or Savita – 2598605 / 0776056827.

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