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Monday 27th of September
- The Bishop of Southwark: Living in a
Multi-faith Society
Principal points
Have we always lived? Do
we live for ever? Different faiths have different answers. Christians
believe: " ..... Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, today and for ever." We
have life in Christ. Hindus see reincarnation.
There are different
points of view but - let us understand - those of other faiths are our
allies, in a secular world. Take the case of religious education: Moslem
parents have been very influential in its support.
And we, of faith, are
gaining ground. Faith is seriously on the agenda amongst politicians.
So how are we to
reconcile the different faiths? As Christians we may see the anonymous Jesus
in other faiths. There is room, in these terms, for pluralisation: each
faith God-centred, in its own way, in religious orbit around the source of
all being. For us, Jesus the perfect revelation.
Concluding message: Go -
strengthen Christians in their faith; support those of other faiths;
challenge those who have no faith. All those of faith - go, work together
for the common good. Encounter God wherever you go.
Questions and answers
1. Are terrorism and
faith compatible?
Answer: no. Saints do
not kill for their faith; though they may die for their faith. Moslem
saints: two scholars travelled to Iraq in connection with the hostage
crisis. Danger to themselves.
2. What about women,
their place in religion?
Answer: we must work
towards being able to say that challenging words.
3. What policy for
Church of England schools? - very popular.
Answer: inclusiveness of
all people, of all religious backgrounds.
4. Reincarnation?
Answer: Hindus believe in
endless reincarnation. Not so, Christians. Though Christians believe in a
one-off return at the end of the age.
5. How are we going to
work together with other faiths?
Answer: London is big -
much too big. Best to work at the Borough level. There is opportunity here
in the Borough of Merton.
Alan Morris
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