Port Moresby: Religious leaders and representatives from various faith communities gathered today for a significant interfaith devotional event aimed at promoting unity and understanding in Papua New Guinea. Hosted at the Bahá'í House of Worship, the gathering focused on the theme "Harmonious Relationships: With God, With Others, With Creation, and With Self."
The event was made possible through close consultation and the shared opinions of leaders from different faiths and beliefs. It comes at a crucial time when fostering peace and cooperation is essential for the nation’s future. Aligned with the Government’s 2025 theme of "Restoration," the gathering highlighted the importance of working together in selfless service and emphasized the need to build stronger, more harmonious relationships at every level of society.
Leaders from diverse religious communities participated, including Christianity. From the Catholic Church Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, PNG Council of Churches representative Emma Ilau, and Reverend Garo Kilagi from the United Church, Islamic Imam Ismaeel Adekunle Busaeri, Hindu representative Ms. Pushpa Ji, Buddhist representative Fermi Wu and Bahá'í representative Marie Louise Joekari,. Their collective presence indicates PNG’s ongoing commitment to unity within its rich cultural and religious diversity.
The devotional program featured sacred readings from various religious texts, expressing shared values of respect, compassion, and peace. This powerful display of common ground emphasized the importance of overcoming differences and focusing on what unites us.
As PNG and the world continue to face various challenges, initiatives like today’s interfaith gathering represent the collective desire for peace and understanding. The hope is that all communities and religious backgrounds will continue to work together, drawing on their shared values to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious future.
This gathering serves as a powerful reminder that unity in diversity is not just an ideal but a practical approach in overcoming the challenges we face. By coming together, leaders and members from different faiths can work together in addressing issues such as social injustice, environmental concerns, and economic disparities. Each religious tradition brings unique insights and strengths that can contribute to holistic solutions, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for one another.
Moreover, initiatives like this interfaith gathering can inspire grassroots movements within communities, encouraging individuals to engage in acts of kindness and solidarity. As people from various backgrounds share their stories and experiences, they can break down barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice. These grassroots engagement can lead peace and more cooperation within a society. Ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient community that thrives on mutual respect and understanding. And that is what Papua New Guinea needs to do.
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