<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The World Council of Churches (WCC) hosted a Sikh-Christian dialogue on 5 July with the theme &#8220;Pursuing Peace in a Pluralistic World&#8221; to commemorate the 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first guru of the Sikhs.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The event
brought together about 40 religious leaders, scholars and independent activists
from the Christian and Sikh traditions.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">WCC
general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed great joy for the first
official WCC-hosted Christian-Sikh dialogue.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;This
is an important year in the Sikh calendar as it marks the 550th birth
anniversary of Guru Nanak,&#8221; Tveit said. &#8220;Therefore, initiating this
formal encounter between Christians and Sikhs during this year is a special way
of commemorating the life and work of Guru Nanak.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tveit
said. &#8220;We are reminded each passing day in poignant ways of the growing
need for lasting and sustainable peace,&#8221; he said. &#8220;The rise of
xenophobia, violent extremism and populist nationalism attest to the urgency of
faith communities to redouble our efforts and imagine new models for building
peace.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We can no
longer afford the luxury of thinking and working as isolated entities,
continued Tveit. &#8220;Rather, recognising the interdependent nature of our
common existence, the time is ripe for us to think and act collaboratively,
confronting and overcoming any divisive tendencies among and within us,&#8221;
Tveit said. &#8220;In a world sharply divided by hate and fear the best way for
religions to not be part of the problem, but be part of the solution, is to be
part of the solution together.&#8221;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Guru
Nanak emphasised universal kinship as the highest of religious aspirations and
urged his followers to treat all human beings as brothers and sisters. This
dialogue was centered on a holistic understanding of peace which is intrinsic
to the Christian and Sikh faith traditions, bearing in mind that peace without
justice is incomplete.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The
gathering is attempting to foster a new partnership that can effectively
decipher the signs of the times and offer responses which are courageous and
committed.</p>

N152m Property Dispute: Nigerian-American Engineer Appeals High Court Judgment Against Oak Home OpenLife Nigeria…
Sir Steve Adehi Congratulates Fourth Degree Knights Of St. Mulumba On Admission OpenLife Nigeria…
Tony Elumelu Exits UBA Chairmanship August OpenLife reports that Tony Elumelu is expected to…
Why I Dumped APC---Senator Iyabo Obasanjo OpenLife Nigeria reports that former Senator who represented…
Governor Expresses Frustrations OpenLife Nigeria reports that the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,…
Principles Of Love And Not Self Centredness Will Reduce Insecurity OpenLife Nigeria reports that…
This website uses cookies.