DITC Note Of Caution: This article is offered as reference material only. We do not necessarily agree with the comments by the author.
Religious
Leaders Speak at World Peace Summit: Notable Quotes
by Thomas
W. Jacobson, Issue Brief No. 19a, September 4, 2000
The first World (Millennium) Peace Summit for Religious and Spiritual Leaders was held in New York City from August 28-31, 2000. Sponsored by the United Nations, Ted Turner, the United Nations Foundation and Better World Fund (Turner's), the Ford Foundation, the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and others, it brought some 2,000 religious, spiritual, public and private leaders from around the world. While Rev. Calvin Butts and Ann Graham Lotz spoke the clearest words of truth, going right to the heart of the problems being addressed (i.e., armed conflicts, hindrances to reconciliation, poverty and environmental degradation), absent were the leaders of every Protestant denomination in the United States and most everywhere else.
Here is a collection of statements (quoted or closely quoted) from those who attended, given in the following order: Peace Summit and UN officials; Protestants; Catholics; Orthodox; Judaism; Indigenous; Buddhism; Hinduism; Islam; Jainism; Shinto; Yoruba; Earth Charter Commission Members; Other Speakers, Panelists, Musicians; Conflict to Reconciliation; The Sudan; and Nigeria.
Peace Summit and United Nations' Officials
Bawa Jain, Secretary-General,
Millennium Peace Summit for Religious and Spiritual Leaders
Introductory remarks: "We
are gathered here this morning as a testimony of the work of the United
Nations. … Are you willing to commit your resources, your faith, to the
work of the Secretary-General [Kofi Annan of the UN]? Show me! Show me!
[applause, standing ovation, verbal affirmations] … Faiths and religions
transcend national boundaries. … We should not wait for the political leaders
to solve the problems of the world (but should) act in partnership with
the United Nations. … We should join our resources with the United Nations
and end poverty worldwide. … Help strengthen the only global institution,
the United Nations, the only hope. … [Closing] I want to hear your hand
of applause in this commitment to the building of this network with the
United Nations." [applause; but not Chief Rabbi of Israel and Cardinal
Arinze]
Secretary-General Kofi Annan,
United Nations
"Religion endows people
with compassion and morality.… We pray, therefore we are.… We are dealing
with universal values… tolerance, love thy neighbor.… No religion can claim
a monopoly on these values.… Let us affirm every man and woman's right
to religious freedom (and) to print and publish.… There must be no room
in the 21st century for religious bigotry and intolerance.… The United
Nations stands outside all faiths."
Dr. Maurice Strong, Chairman,
International Advisory Board, Millennium Peace Summit
President, United Nations
University for Peace
2nd Day: "We are the first
generation, and perhaps the last, where our future is in our hands…. We
are now witnessing a convergence of the spiritual and moral with the material
aspects of life…. All nations in the past have given their greatest efforts
to preserve their own security, but now must give the same effort to global
security…. We clearly have the power to build a better world."
4th Day: "This is the first
generation that can actually eliminate poverty."
"We need a moral and spiritual
revolution to create the peace that is within our reach … We are no longer
innocent … know what the needs are … God expects us to rise up … a moral
obligation to do so."
"The calls for support of
the United Nations … need to be responded to with concrete support."
Dr. Ted Turner, Honorary
Chairman, Millennium Peace Summit
Vice Chairman, Time Warner,
Inc.
"When I was a little boy,
I grew up in a Christian home, became a Christian, just like anyone growing
up in their (religious tradition). But then I studied other religions and
realized that my own religion was intolerant-not of religious freedom-but
that all others were not going to heaven…. Maybe there is one God, not
many gods, who manifests and reveals Himself to others in various ways….
Religion is not based on blood sacrifice anymore. It must be based on love."
"There is one human race….
We cannot afford to have people of different religions fighting anymore.
It is time to get rid of hatred and prejudice…. I think God wants us to
figure out how to have a more peaceful, gentle, loving world, and solve
the problem of poverty."
Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Undersecretary-General,
Disarmament Affairs
"States (nations) must be
pressured to reduce nuclear weapons … the goal is the abolition of all
weapons of mass destruction…. Security cannot be secured solely with the
purchase of arms."
Ollata Otumo, Special Representative
to the UN Secretary-General for Children and Violence
"Attack on children in wars
is an abomination … 2 million children have been killed in wars … 1 million
orphaned … 7 million disabled … 10 million left with emotional scars …
20 million displaced…. And 300,000 under 18 are used as child soldiers
in 30 nations…. An estimated 90% of casualties in wars today are civilians."
He invited religious and
spiritual leaders to be part of, "a pillar," a platform group to help stop
this because, he said, "I have seen (you) be there when women and children
are abused."
He urged the religious leaders
to:
1. Use their moral standing
and platform to be advocates for women and children;
2. Support international
and local spiritual norms that protect women and children;
3. Stop demonizing other
communities, which has caused wars;
4. Use your special keys
to facilitate reconciliation, which must begin deep within.
5. Monitor commitments [to
UN documents] and bring pressure [upon nations] to adhere to them;
6. Be sure children are
on the agenda when negotiating peace agreements;
7. Place children at center
of rebuilding efforts;
8. Encourage young people
to become involved;
9. Support efforts to disallow
any youths under 18 from being used in wars;
10. Work with the UN to
make a difference.
"Children are innocent and
vulnerable, but pay the highest cost in war."
Aye Aye Thant, daughter of
former UN Secretary-General U Thant
"My father had vision that
UN would be hall for religious and spiritual leaders from time to time,
not just government leaders, economists and sociologists."
"We are bound by a common
interest in survival…. My father always believed in the oneness of humanity….
Conflicts don't result from differences in beliefs (but lack of education)."
[Let us] "be tolerant …
[and] narrow the gap between rich and poor."
"Let us all strive to make
ourselves better people."
Protestants
Rev. Calvin Butts, Pastor,
Abyssinian Baptist Church
1st Day: "God is love. …
If someone says he loves God and hates his brother or sister, then the
truth is not in him."
Last Day: "What does God
require of us but to love mercy, do justice. … In every faith there are
those who have a prophetic role to be faithful to God alone … and to speak
to those in (gov't) power.
"A rising tide of color
… people of color are no longer satisfied with second-class status as citizens.
"The poor are no longer
satisfied to be poor ... challenge of religion is the redistribution of
wealth.
"What is justice for blacks
is not the same for white … for men is not the same as for women … for
wealthy is not the same as for the poor…. Forgiveness and love are essential
(for all)."
Ann Graham Lotz, daughter
of the Rev. Billy Graham
She said Jesus Christ spoke
to the very problems the Summit was seeking to address. "The source of
the problems, according to Jesus, is in the human heart.… We must be born
again, Jesus said…. Man needs a new heart, new mind, new spirit of reconciliation
and forgiveness."
Rev. James Forbes, Senior
Pastor of Riverside Church in New York
Rev. Forbes called those
present from all religions his "brothers and sisters" and "holy."
"Holy men and women, let
us pool our collective wisdom toward peace…. Whatever the spirit of truth
and justice is saying to us collectively (let us do it)."
The Most Reverend Njongonjulu
Ndungane, Archbishop of Capetown
"May we have the courage
to act when God's laws of humanity and justice are violated.… Help us to
obey God's laws written on our consciences."
His Holiness Abune Filipos,
Patriarch of Eritrea
"Peace is a gift form God
and must be shared among us. Peace is the ultimate source of all noble
human endeavors…. More resources of the UN must be used for peace…. Peace
must be the global right, a fundamental right of all people."
"There is a partiality in
the international community when it comes to conflicts in Africa."
Bishop Fu Tieshen, Vice Chairman,
Chinese Catholic Conference
"This is a golden age for
religion in China."
"Some people want to trample
on the sovereignty of nations under the auspices of human rights."
Rev. Konrad Raiser, General
Secretary, World Council of Churches
"We seek ways to create
a global culture of mutual respect, not an amalgam of spiritual values
of the lowest common denominator."
"Political leaders have
held self-interest above (global interests)."
Rev. Raiser proceeded to
speak very highly of the vision for globalization, world peace and higher
ideals that could be accomplished through cooperation with "civil society"
and the UN.
Karen Hesser, representing
Rev. Bob Edgar, Secretary-General, National Council of Churches
We must "work toward justice
and peace for all."
"The National Council of
Churches supports the United Nations."
While addressing most points
of concern to delegates in words that supported a globalist worldview and
the UN, she said, "an important function of the Church is to provide an
early warning system for NGOs
(Non-Governmental Organizations
associated with the UN), to facilitate help/aid."
"Churches seek to hold governments
accountable to see that basic human needs are met."
Rev. Richard Morris
"We consider the existence
of involuntary poverty and injustice as unacceptable."
He asked the UN to "turn
its attention to poverty as the greatest problem today."
Rev. Welton Gaddy, Director,
Interfaith Alliance
Spoke of four essential
steps to take:
1. "Focus on core values
… no difference should keep us (apart).
2. "Move beyond toleration
… only a first step … (to becoming) compassionate friends.
3. "Do work for peace in
way that protects religious freedom…. We must resist all efforts to align
our faith with any political entity (government) or national identity.
4. "Forge a unity out of
our diversity."
Rev. Joan Brown Campbell,
Director, Department of Religion, Chautaqua Institution
1st Day: "You, by Your sacrifice,
taught us love, taught us peace."
3rd Day: "Proselytizing
must be renounced. No one should impose their belief system on someone
else. Faith must be freely chosen."
"We must organize ourselves
to be positive force with the United Nations and with nation-states."
"Religious and spiritual
leaders must be truth speakers and speak to government."
Sister Christine Tan [Philippines]
"Root causes of poverty
… (are) overpopulation and corruption of governments."
She advocated cooperation
between religions to pool resources for poor and create schools.
Catholic
His Eminence Francis Cardinal
Arinze,
President of the Pontifical
Council on Interreligious Dialogue, The Vatican
"Part of problem of poor
is an unwillingness to work."
[A specific article of a
UN document] "guarantees the right to choose [one's] religion."
His Eminence, Theodore McCarrick,
Archbishop of Newark
"Religious leaders should
know and respect each other … [but they] usually never speak to each other.
If they know [one another], they can begin resolution of conflicts."
"We have in our traditions
the teachings in the Gospels, Bible, Koran … that remind us we are all
God's people and [tell us] how we can resolve conflict."
"Religious leaders must
be courageous! … Should be more faithful to their God, Allah … than to
political leaders."
Father James Kenny, Director,
Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
"We are all called to speak
to power (governments)."
There has been "growth in
the 20th century in inter-relations of world religions" (mentioned several
organizations, including) … International Association of Religious Freedom
… Parliament of World Religions, United Religions International."
He spoke of creating a "global
ethic for all … (including) respect for all life … tolerance."
Betty Williams, Nobel Peace
Laureate
"Women have done wonders
in Ireland … and solved the violence problem…. War is men's work…. We say
to you men, we love you, but move over. If we make the world worse, we
will give it back. We want to live, work and build a just society. With
God's help, we will build a nonviolent society."
Priest from Africa (not on
schedule)
"What can be done to stop
conflicts in Africa, especially since most conflicts are caused by political
leaders using religion…. 70% of the refugees in the world today are in
Africa."
Father Thomas Berry
"The environment that has
been given to us is not separate from us … there is a bond between earth
and humans…. Inner development (in people) depends in part on outer development
… We need to value the beauty of the environment."
Orthodox
His Eminence Gregorios Theocharous,
Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church, Great Britain
"May the Holy Spirit … guide
us, and protect us and this great institution of the United Nations."
His Grace, Bishop Mitrofan,
Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Eastern America
Representing His Holiness,
Patriarch Pavle
"Stop killing … stop destroying
Serb churches."
He asked that funds be provided
to restore from destruction of the 78-day war last year, especially for
heat for the people, and that it was the duty of NATO to help.
There should be "respect
for the God-give rights of all peoples," and "not dictating by force."
Judaism
Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau,
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel
"They (Noah and family,
animals, etc.) were in the ark together because they had no choice. They
had a common enemy.… Don't we, all of us, have common enemies.… We have
no choice but to live together.… Hands together … let us work together
to bring this world peace."
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, Talmudic
Scholar
"The 1st Commandment is
to love God … and love one another…. Champions of peace have been vilified
and crucified…. The lack of peace is the result of a lack of obedience
to God…. Peace comes from love of God and obedience to His commands."
"What can we as religious
leaders do to stop the blood bath? … Killing each other in the name of
religion has to stop…. We must bring about reconciliation with God."
"We should protect every
child in the womb."
"Poverty, which is the worst
enemy of mankind … has to be addressed by developed nations."
Rabbi Samuel Rene Sirat,
former Chief Rabbi of France
Prayer: "We were silent
when (others) were assassinated, gassed …."
"We wish to help eradicate
poverty from the face of the earth."
Rabbi David Rosen, Director,
Anti-defamation League, Israel
"The big question is: Why
are there conflicts among religions? … When is God on your side? When you
are on His…. Tragedy of religions is our concern whether God is on our
side."
Reading from Psalm 8 and
4, he said, "One time the Lord says He will arise … for the poor and downtrodden….
Only when we really understand the pain of another can we really (love
one another)."
Rabbi Tony Bayfield, Chief
Executive, Reform Synagogues of Great Britain
"There can be no peace in
the world without peace between the religions, and without the religions
(themselves)…. Peace is not possible without justice (including) social
justice…. Our task is not to wield power but to challenge power…. Religion
must serve as the conscience of society, and speak on behalf of the poor,
the hungry.…"
We must "inspire love between
people of different faiths…. It takes long periods of dialogue…. (There
is) only one God with many" (manifestations).
Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp,
Earth Charter Commission
Prayer: "Help us to realize
we are part of one human family … with a common destiny."
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Founder
and President, The Appeal of Conscience Foundation [USA]
"Too much blood has been
shed in the name of religion. We must prove that religion is fostering
peace."
In the former Yugoslavia,
he told the leaders of the Orthodox Church: "Political leaders have failed.
Religious leaders have a moral obligation to … foster peace … overcome
past hatreds … stop conflict."
"First make a commitment
to look toward the future, not the atrocities of the past … thinking of
children and grandchildren."
"Every war comes to an end,
and then you have to rebuild. Religious leaders above all have to transform
the hearts and minds of the people (so that hatred does not continue).
Religious leaders must be ahead of political leaders."
"Preach tolerance, preach
peace. Cease fire on religions."
Indigenous Religions
William Commanada, Algonquin
Tradition
"The Creator is my Father
… He created all things … They are all part of my relatives … the trees
(animals, birds) … We must work together to save Mother Earth…. Without
her we would not be here today…. All of the diseases of today are the result
of mistreatment of her."
Audrey Shenendoah, Clan Mother,
Onondaga Nation
"We (peoples, animals, birds)
are all connected, all related, all family."
Chief Oren Lyons
With a large group of indigenous
peoples standing behind him on the stage, said, "These are the people who
have survived all the proselytizing you represent" (speaking of other religions).
Chief Francis Cree [Canada]
"God gave to Indians on
the 'turtle continent' four teachings: love, respect, unity and faith in
God…. (We must) respect everybody and God's creation … work with everybody
in a righteous way."
Buddhism
S. N. Goenka, Buddhist Meditation
Master
"Not conversion from one
religion to another … conversion from bondage to freedom … cruelty to compassion
… purity of mind to purity of heart."
He spoke of "purifying,
having good thoughts," equating this to the "kingdom of heaven," and "not
allowing hellfire thoughts which bring nothing but hellfire."
"One should not honor ones'
own religion and condemn others, but should honor other religions … and
love others."
Phra Rajavaramuni, Rector,
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand
"The mission of all religion
is to achieve peace … which is the aim of the United Nations. The United
Nations has the duty to maintain peace and security."
"Since wars begin in the
minds of men, must construct mind for peace.… Buddhism says to conquer
anger with love…. No [more] holy wars in the name of religion."
Hinduism
Indu Jain, Chairman, Times
of India Group of Publications
"There are many ways and
paths to reach the truth."
"Need your blessing for
the work of the United Nations."
"I would like to invoke
the all pervading woman power … Give woman a chance (at leadership) … and
nonviolence will be the religion of the new millennium."
Later as chairman of session:
"Let us close our eyes and look to the god within, the space within … and
let all negative thoughts go."
Honorable Ela Ghandhi, Member
of Congress, South Africa
(grand-daughter of Mahatma
Ghandhi)
"Lack of access to land
for poor keeps them from what could enable them to survive…. The United
Nations needs to address this."
Sivaya Subramuniyaswami,
Hinduism Today
"I see light in everybody's
eyes. It is the same light…. Our auras are gathered together."
"Person must see mistakes
first, then can repent…. If we stop the war in the home (conflicts, spouse
and child abuse), we stop it in the community, the nation …."
Unknown participant:
He spoke against any religion
that imposes "conversion" and says you must believe a certain way "or go
to hell." [Lots of applause.]
Islam
Unscheduled Islamic spokesman
"Religious bigotism is to
be opposed as much as any tyrannical (oppressor)."
Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef,
former Secretary-General, World Muslim League [Saudi Arabia]
"Good deed and bad deed
are not equal is a golden rule of Islam…. (Must turn) conflicts into reconciliation
… (and have) co-existence."
Dr. Saleha Abedin, Rabita
Council [Saudi Arabia]
"We are all partners in
the journey of the faithful."
"Poverty is the most serious
and pervasive violence against the poor perpetrated by the rich…. Key [to
correct problem] is education."
He recommended drafting
a new international Convention on the Elimination of Poverty Around the
World (CEPAW).
Jainism
Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Jain Scholar
He spoke of "pluralism …
tolerance … celebrat(ing) diversity … togetherness … (and religious leaders)
as the conscience keepers of society." And "A new international order that
proclaims the majesty of international law … a higher society, carrying
the United Nations Charter to a new level."
Shinto
Unscheduled Shinto speaker
"In this global village,
we sisters and brothers can join our hands for the future of mankind. We
can bring down barriers of nation and culture. We can dismantle the boundaries
between us…. We have a common journey…. We hope we can establish a family
of the earth and establish a civilized society."
Yoruba
Dr. Wande Abimola, Yoruba
Priest and Scholar
"Religion has been used
as a means of conquest…. Destruction of traditional places of worship is
still going on…. African people have often been conquered and colonized
in the name of religion."
"Leave us alone to worship
the gods of our ancestors…. Essentially, no one should proselytize and
try to get rid of native (indigenous) religions of the world…. I speak
for all the indigenous peoples of the world who have been proselytized
by imperialist religions…. No religion is more true or more valid than
another. Let us do away with religious imperialism.
Earth Charter Commission Members
Dr. Steven Rockefeller, Earth
Charter Commission
"We couldn't use the word
"god" (in the Earth Charter) because there is no agreement on a definition."
"Perhaps the greatest problem
we face is the lack of moral and spiritual awareness-expanded moral insight-and
the willingness to act…. The religious community is fixed on transforming
the inner man, but if it does not affect the social society it is very
difficult to sustain."
"We are all part of one
human family, with responsibilities toward one another…. Respect life in
all its differences…. Care for community, with compassion, understanding….
Build just and democratic societies… Secure (preserve) earth for the future."
Dr. Kamla Chowdhry, Earth
Charter Commission [India]
"Most UN studies end up
in file cabinets…. (There must be) integration of spiritual and intellectual
knowledge…. Moral and ethical action should follow knowledge."
Dr. Wangari Maathai, Earth
Charter Commission [Africa]
"Establish new set of commandments"
(through Earth Charter to presumably replace the Ten Commandments).
"Must be tolerant of diversity
… Religious imperialism is partly due to intolerance for other religions
you don't understand … god reveals itself to us in different ways … respect
cultures and environment … Because of intolerance about own heritage (praying
to a mountain), her people suffer (because of logging, other acts that
have destroyed the mountain, water, etc.)."
"We come to you, religious
leaders, because we cannot speak to God directly. That is why priests are
very important. They stand between us and God and tell us what God wants
us to do."
"[Christian] Scriptures
tell us to subdue nature [but she equated this with destruction of the
environment, so said] … priests should tell us to protect the environment."
Other Leaders who were Speakers, Panelists and Musicians
Dr. Mustafa Ceric, His Eminence,
Raisu-I-Ulama of Bosnia-Herzegovina
"Is the discovery of the
law of physics more important than the discovery of the law of morality?
… Are we ready to build an ark for the salvation of all now?"
His Excellency Juan Somavia,
Director General, International Labor Organization [Chile]
"People must want reconciliation
… want to forgive."
"The UN is a system of governments
… (but) the UN tolerates violence, conflicts."
"Should never apply sanctions
that affect people, not leaders."
"A lack of political leadership
leads people to conflicts."
Sanford Cloud, CEO and President,
National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ)
We must "develop communities
that are more inclusive and just."
"Racism is incompatible
with God's intention for humanity."
The NCCJ is a "clearinghouse
of programs that are promoting racial reconciliation … have a Scriptural
references booklet."
"Racism is a problem of
the heart, a sin, and must be addressed."
"No social advance is inevitable.
Each step toward justice takes great effort and sacrifice.
Paul Winter
Near the close of the Peace
Summit, Mr. Winter played three songs with great excellence and passion:
one for the whales from the sea (based on song whales sing), one for the
wolves from the land (based on a song wolves sing when all is well), and
one for the birds from sky (based on a Bach piece). After concluding the
wolf song, he invited the 1,000+ participants remaining to join him in
a "howlellujah chorus" for unity and world peace. Immediately there arose
a long and loud chorus of wolf cries from hundreds in the audience.
Conflict to Reconciliation
Unknown participant: "There can be no forgiveness and reconciliation without repentance on the part of the aggressor."
Conflict to Reconciliation: The Sudan
Dr. Douglas M. Johnston,
President, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy
"Sudan has been at war for
33 of the past 35 years…. 4 million are displaced from their homes…. More
died than in any other war since World War II."
When the British colonized
the nation, they created a policy of separation, dividing the North from
the South. The North remained Muslim and the South became increasingly
Christian. Thus the seeds of the current separation and conflict have now
been sown for 50 years. Elected representatives from the North dominated
the nation's General Assembly. When a unifying plan was proposed, the South
finally agreed because of a provision in the new constitution allowing
substantial Southern autonomy. However, the decision was made by the North
to make Arabic the language for the whole nation, though most Southerners
spoke English, not Arabic. The South felt backed into a corner. In 1955,
several units in the Southern military command mutinied, starting armed
conflicts.
Rev. Ezekiel Kutjok, Vice
Moderator, Presbyterian Church of the Sudan,
Former General Secretary,
Sudan Council of Churches
Sudan is unique in the world
in that it combined African and Arab, Muslim and Christian together. Sudan
is potentially rich, has enormous agricultural land-was thought that it
could be the bread basket for the Middle East-and produces oil. But Sudan's
"potential can only be developed when there is peace."
"Why are people killing
(one another) in the Sudan?
"1. People of the South
feel there is an imbalance in development and national resources.
"2. There is a question
of national identity: Is Sudanese an Arab? An African? A Muslim? A Christian?
And this question was complicated when it became an Islamic State.
"3. Should religion be included
in the State or separate? In Islam, there is no difference.
"4. There is a question
of equality in religion, leading to questions of power sharing, social
justice and human rights…. The participation of non-Muslim peoples was
limited."
Dr. Abdul-Rahim Ali M. Ibrahim,
Director, Inter-religious Dialogue Association International Friendship
Council
The war in Sudan is "Africa's
longest war."
Sudan is multi-cultural,
"large country, bordering with 9 countries," with "50 languages," though
"Arabic is the official language." Language (differences) "contribute to
the problems of Sudan."
The "media message is: the
war in Sudan is a religious war. Not true! Sudan has a history of tolerance….
(The war is) not a conflict between Arabs and Africans…. Many conflicts
are (caused by) nomads who wander with cattle looking for water, which
they have done for centuries…. (There are) Muslims and Christians in government
on both sides of the war."
"Why the war? (While he
"agrees with Rev. Ezekiel on the causes of the war, he added):
1. "South is region in its
own right. Has its own language…. Christian missions (are present). Some
tension between Christians and Muslims in the South, but this is not cause
of the war.
2. "Southerners have been
fighting a war which is not theirs.
3. "Oil reserves discovered
are mostly in the South."
The new constitution has
"a provision recognizing that Sudan is a multi-ethnic nation…. (And another
provision stating that) each region should enjoy the greatest part of the
resources in that region, with a few exceptions.
Sudan is "looking for words
for a law that would respect religious freedom for all."
He has talked "privately
with Rev. Ezekiel with a high level of trust."
He and Rev. Ezekiel and
other religious leaders will meet in November to mediate the conflict.
Conflict to Reconciliation: Nigeria
Chief Mrs. Winifred Awosika
(Indigenous)
"Nigeria had 32 years of
military rule…. (Is) now democratic, but plagued with many conflicts. People
who lived together in peace are now fighting one another…. Lots of conflicts
between Christians and Muslims … between groups of Christians ... economic
conflicts over oil and mineral resources…. Preachers are silent when people
are in conflict."
Nigeria is "endowed with
so many resources, but why are the people so poor? … Africa is rich, but
now is poor…. Current leaders are stocking away money for themselves (which)
leads to poverty."
Her father was Christian,
uncle Muslim, and they all lived together in a traditional family home.
The Christian priest "spoke against traditional (Indigenous) religions,
and said only those who believe (in Jesus) will go to heaven…. Children
have been brain washed, and see parents as pagans." So she has gone "back
and is re-examining her (ancestors) religion."
Christians in her office
resisted hearing Muslim preacher she invited, but now accept because she
invites Muslim, Christian and Indigenous (preachers) to pray.
"As long as groups say my
way is the only way, will have conflicts…. Need to come together…. Should
be religious freedom for everyone."
Our children should be educated
"to know our religious roots and traditional values. Priests should divine
the truth in an oracle."
Alhaji Ado Bayero (Islam)
At each conflict, religious
leaders and people of faith have intervened to stop violence.
An inter-religious council
was established-organized and facilitated by the Nigerian government.
Poverty, corruption and
unemployment are often the cause of the armed conflicts.
Religious groups are discouraged
from aggressive (evangelizing).
Dr. Teresa Okure, SHCJ (Christianity)
"Africa does not have a
problem moving from conflict to reconciliation."
She asked: "Why is the projection
of Africa in world consciousness so negative … bad?"
"The conflicts in Africa
are the delayed results of the partition (made) at the Berlin conference….
The political conflicts (over religion) in Europe landed in Africa, and
we are adding to it…. Did Africa receive Christianity or the Gospel … The
Gospel sets free, build up (etc.)."
The former leader of the
nation was a tyrant. "God delivered the nation from (him) when people prayed.
He could protect himself against … everything but prayer."
DITC Comment: I'm glad Anne Graham Lutz spoke about Jesus Christ saying "Jesus Christ spoke to the very problems the Summit was seeking to address. The source of the problems, according to Jesus, is in the human heart.… We must be born again, Jesus said…. Man needs a new heart, new mind, new spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness." We are very happy that Lutz said that "we must be born again", although apparently that message was not followed up by stating that "You must believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He is the only Son of God, that there is no other name by which men may be saved. "
However, anyone "in the know" understands that this UN sposored conference was not really about solving problems like "armed conflicts, hindrances to reconciliation, poverty and environmental degradation" as much as it was about gaining religious support for the UN's efforts at globalization. The UN wants a world religion, as is clearly evidenced by thier United Religions Initiative. They are not at all interested in what Jesus Christ had to say about issues of war and reconciliation, and they are especially not interested in any religion that claims objective truth such as true Christians do. In fact, it is my contention, that soon those who continue to preach that Jesus Christ is the only Way, Truth & Life will find themselves ultimately standing trial at the International Court of Justice, which is the UN Court that has no jury, for "crimes against humanity".
The problem with Billy Graham is that he apparently no longer thinks that there is only one name under heaven by which man can be saved. That is the real reason why he sent his daughter to the UN Millenium Peace Summit ... because they apparently believe that all "good" men will go to heaven, so we need to make this earth as "good" as possible and the UN's goals are (allegedly) in line with that kind of thinking. It makes you wonder if the Grahams have become Dominionists. Any Christian who aids and abets the UN's globalization efforts is simply giving help to the coming antichrist.
If you doubt that Billy Graham has changed his tune with regards to who will enter the kingdom of heaven, read my Letter To Billy Graham, which as of this writing on 9/16/00 has not been answered.