15.07.2017

„Violence does not directly flow from the essence of religion“

From July 14 to 16 ninety participants, among them many representatives from various religious communities of African and Asian countries as well as from Germany, gathered under the motto „peace among the people – inter-religious commitment for peace and inclusive communities“ in order to discuss concepts, inputs and best practice models to promote peaceful and inclusive communities. Prior to the conference the international participants visited a synagoge in Unna-Massen as well as a mosque and a church in Duisburg-Marxloh, Germany. On behalf oft the organizers, the Westphalian and Rhenish Churches as well as Justitia et Pax and the United Evangelical Mission (UEM),  Jochen Motte (UEM) stated the main objective of the conference: „The issue of extremism dominates the discussions in the media. The stories of successful cooperation between different religious communities are not covered by the media. In order to change this, we are here, in order to support those players who jointly advocate against extremism and violence in their respective cultures and communities. We want to learn from each other, to build up a network and to jointly advocate for peace.“ The keynote speech was given by Prof. Dr. Heiner Bielefeldt,  professor on human rights and human rights policy at the University of Erlangen-Nurnberg and UN Special Rapporteur of religion or belief 2010-2016 and director oft he German Institute for Human Rights 2003-2009. „Violence does not directly flow from the essence of religion but the religious communities have to tackle the issue of violence coming from within,“ that was his message on the issue of religious extremesim as a gobal challenge for religious communities. „It is the human beeing who commits violence on behalf of religion and who abuses religion. The violence between religious groups is artificially imposed – the connection between religion and violence is no natural law,“ said the German theologian. With regard to the religiously motivated conflicts in the world Bielefeldt advised to „de-link religion and violence.“ He further explained that certain socio-political conditions promote the fatal alliance between religion and violence, e.g. a high unemployment rate among young people, a low level of education and especially a high corruption rate.  In order to cope with religious extremism Bielefeldt addressed the following three recommendations to religious communities: 1. A clear confession against violence. The message has to read: „no violence!“ 2. To deal with its own complex histories, for example by addressing the ambiguous verses glorifying violence in the holy scriptures but also to heal own historical traumata. 3. The cooperatin and communication with communities of different faiths across the borders of gender and generations in a sense of acknowledgement and appreciation. The present Sheikh Adinani Ntinabo from Tanzania and the Buddhist Monk Ven Assaji Thero from Sri Lanka supported the statements and gave further practical recommendations in to reach a successful inter-religious dialogue within their respective cultural and religious contexts. In the following press conference the President of the Westphalian church, Annette Kurschus, stated that the African and Asian partners reported on the increase in religiously motivated conflicts but also on an increase in actions supporting the peaceful living together of religious communities. She wants to support the peaceful potential of religion. The President of the Rhenish Church, Präses Manfred Rekowski, supported this statement and recommended to learn from each other by means of encounters. Sheikh Fadhil Suleiman Soraga from Zanzibar, Tanzania, reported that he himself has become a vicitim of religious violence committed by an extremist fellow Muslim some years ago. The Sheikh was attacked and spilt by acid because of his commitment for religious peace. The traces of the acid attack could still be seen in the face of the Muslim dignitary. Prof. Dr Syafiq Mughni, chairperson of the central committee of Muhammadya from Indonesia, Henriette Hutabarat-Leban, President of PGI from Indonesia as well as Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama from Nigeria reported on the situation in their countries and communities. Following the peace conference 25 participants from 12 countries will attend the summer school for two weeks in order to take part in a training for peaceful conflict resolution, mediation and human rights protection in Wuppertal. Martina Pauly