Singapore鈥檚 Church and civil leaders vow to bolster faith dialogue
By Mark Saludes, LiCAS News
Cardinal William Goh of Singapore addressed the young people from various faiths gathered at the interreligious meeting held with 杏MAP导航 Francis at the Catholic Junior College on Friday morning.
The Cardinal spoke about the country鈥檚 ongoing efforts to maintain religious harmony. He highlighted the country鈥檚 approach to fostering deeper friendships among different faiths.
鈥淚n Singapore, inter-religious dialogue has gone beyond mere tolerance or respect of each other鈥檚 faith,鈥� he said, stressing that friendship and mutual understanding are crucial for peace.
The prelate referenced several initiatives, including the annual inter-religious Christmas party and the Harmony Games, which bring together young people from various faiths.
These events, he said, help build trust and strengthen community bonds. However, he warned against complacency, noting that extremism remains a threat.
鈥淲e do not take religious harmony in Singapore for granted,鈥� Cardinal Goh added, urging for continued efforts in fostering inter-religious ties.
Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in maintaining Singapore鈥檚 social cohesion.
鈥淩eligious harmony is foundational to Singapore鈥檚 existence and societal cohesion,鈥� Mr. Tong said, pointing to the government鈥檚 policies and structures that support racial and religious unity.
Mr. Tong highlighted the Catholic Church鈥檚 contributions to nation-building, particularly in education and healthcare.
He also mentioned the Archdiocesan Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism Centre of Singapore, which promotes dialogue among Christian denominations and other faiths.
鈥淐atholics in Singapore maintain strong relations with other communities,鈥� Mr. Tong remarked.
The minister also praised 杏MAP导航 Francis for his ongoing advocacy of dialogue and fraternity, noting the significance of the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 visit.
鈥淵our Holiness鈥� visit inspires our communities, particularly the youth, to unite and renew their hope for the future,鈥� Mr. Tong said.
杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� presence marked the first papal visit to Singapore since Saint John Paul II鈥檚 visit nearly four decades ago.
The meeting provided a platform for youth and religious leaders to engage in dialogue on how to contribute to a peaceful and inclusive society.
Both Cardinal Goh and Minister Tong stressed the importance of continued collaboration and trust to face the challenges of a polarized world.
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