Dr Nadeem Ahmad –
Faith leaders from several mainstream religions joined hands on September 17, 2016 to find ways to achieve lasting peace.
The meeting held in Three Kings, Mr Roskill, Auckland under the theme, “Justice: The Foundation for Lasting Peace,’ was arranged by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand.
Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy, who was the Chief Guest, said that a recent survey had ranked New Zealand as the fourth most peaceful country in the world.
Peaceful country
“What sets us apart though is that we have one of the most ethnically diverse societies in the western world. It is encouraging to see that leaders of so many different faiths have come together for one purpose of achieving peace through their beliefs. The challenge for us as a society going forward though is to take the message originating in this room to the New Zealand population at large,” she said.
Leaders representing the Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, and Islamic faiths highlighted how religion can play a positive role in promoting peaceful co-existence, and increasing cohesion in the society. The speakers and guests at the event acknowledged and thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for arranging the meeting, and for providing a platform for a positive discussion to take place.
Interfaith engagement
Jamaat Acting President Yunus Hanif said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide continues to engage all faith groups to find means to achieve global peace.
“This Conference was a small step on our long journey towards that goal. The commitment shown by our fellow faith leaders today was heart-warming,” he said.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam.
Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Community spans over 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions.
Its motto of ‘Love for all and hatred for none’ is evidenced through the peaceful actions of its millions of followers.
The New Zealand branch was established in 1987 and has more than 400 members.
Photo Caption:
Dame Susan Devoy with members of various faiths at the Conference.
