Religious Leaders Need to Teach About Foundation of Religion to Ensure Sustainable Peace in Africa: Scholars
Addis Ababa African religious leaders need to impart teachings based on the true foundation of religion that supports unity and peaceful coexistence, according African religious scholars.
Approached by ENA, religious scholars noted that religion teaches about the true foundation of peace, not inciting trouble.
Elerinmo of Erinmo, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II from Nigeria said it is important for religious leaders to offer teachings that support unity and peace because without a peaceful coexistence, it becomes difficult to even practice religion.
He advised religious leader not incite their people for trouble as every religion preaches peace. He affirmed “no religion wants trouble.”
It is unfortunate that some deliberately use religion to incite people against others, he said, adding there should be more communication, more relationship among others.
“The purpose of religion is to teach moral values, way of life that suit that particular environment and encourage in being good neighbors. Every religion teaches you to love your neighbor as yourself.”
Oba Arowotawaya wondered why some are using it to cause trouble.
He added that for leaders and for followers, “we are here (as) brothers and sisters. If we have differences, we must find a way of resolving it without any problem.”
Nairobi University Philosophy and Religious Studies Lecturer, Hassan Kinyua Omari said for his part that “no religious leader should be seen complicating issues. All religious leaders should begin within themselves before going to others.”
The lecturer stressed that understanding each other– among the religious leaders and becoming actually mentors in bringing peace is crucial.
Highlighting that the role of religion in bringing peace globally is very important, he added “so, we realize that the foundation of religion is peace. In fact, the name Islam is peace.”
Similarly, Ethiopian Catholic Church Scholar, Abba Abinet Abebe said peace is essential for all. The issue of peace is not the issue of an individual; it is the issue of all.
He added: “to ensure peace that comes from God, our role is coordinating, and teaching. We pray about peace because the existence of peace is beneficial for all of us as the lack of peace is not beneficial for none of us.”
“No matter what the reason is, conflict is not beneficial for anyone. Our call for all is let us resolve our differences through discussions.”
Source: Ethiopia News agency