Editorial
Inspiring words, indeed
Cardinal's visit proves auspicious
Nothing could be a greater tribute to the state of inter-religious relations in Bangladesh than that paid by Cardinal Tauran in Dhaka Wednesday. On a five-day sojourn in Bangladesh as special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI, he has already endeared himself not only to the Christian community but also to members of other faiths.
Quite significantly, he alluded to the 'great patrimony' that Bangladesh has acquired in the area of inter-religious relations. This, said he, "can be placed at the service of the world."
To receive such compliments from an authentic voice is heart warming. At the same time, however, it is for us a call to duty, to maintain and build on the good traditions of inter-religious harmony we have had.
It is quite in sync with the times that an inter-religious dialogue has taken place in Dhaka, heralding, what we would hope, a process whereby religious groups will periodically talk and allay any misgiving that could creep in through the machinations of a miniscule minority.
That culturally, traditionally and constitutionally Bangladeshis are imbued with a sense of inter-faith tolerance and harmony was well-recognised at the dialogue.
The cardinal's pragmatic approach is laudable. In his words, inter-religious dialogue could be suspect to those inclined to brand and accuse religion 'as a source and cause of intolerance and conflict'. The overriding fact, however, is, as our state minister for religious affairs said, "religion has been a primary force for social and human development."
If we are respectful of one another's religion, the nation as a whole stands to benefit through the creative energies of all communities in an environment of social peace and stability.
Cardinal Tauran's words are specially valued because his is the second high level visit from the Vatican since 1986, when Pope John Paul II had come here on a goodwill mission.
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