“Reflecting together on recent turmoil on our Island”
We have witnessed weeks of inter-cultural unrest and damage to individuals and communities. We have witnessed the destruction of long established properties and businesses. We have witnessed the intimidation of places of refuge for those seeking safety and dignity. Many of the victims of these crimes are those who have had no choice but to flee their homelands and to arrive somewhere they had very little awareness of. This has happened right across the island of Ireland. It has been festering for months. Men, women and children have all been caught in the fire and the crossfire. Such hatred knows no borders. Its rhetoric is cleverly orchestrated and cleverly disseminated with a malevolent intention.
The forced displacement of peoples in today’s world is an ongoing reality, one that requires our collective attention and compassion. Millions of people live lives as destitutes and dispossessed in a world marked by stark realities of poverty, exploitation, hunger and violence. How we respond to this challenge - how we treat people of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews who come to live among us - serves as a true measure of our character. Allowing hysteria and hatred to take root diminishes us all and the victimization of the vulnerable is a stain on our society. One of the particularly disturbing features of the current situation is that anybody who looks or sounds differently is potentially a target .
Those who have spoken and acted with bravery and compassion countering these voices of hatred and intimidation have shown everyone that there is and will always be another way. Our values are those of inclusion, dialogue and an encounter that is open-minded and open-hearted. Cultural curiosity goes hand in hand with personal respect to build a new society and to enrich a tired society. Others have already called on everyone to speak kindly to our neighbours, particularly those who are exposed and fearful for themselves, their elders and their children. We encourage such initiatives which are the building blocks of societal trust.
Our call is that political bodies, voluntary organisations, statutory agencies, and members of faith and belief communities cooperate and collaborate around the rebuilding of shattered communities locally; that they call on their members not to feed the frenzy through recycling misinformation and instead to engage in thoughtful reflection, prayer and meaningful action. Our plea is that together we use every means to reset the agenda on stability, respect and peace.
© Dublin City Interfaith Forum, 9th August 2024
© Northern Ireland Inter Faith Forum, 9th August 2024
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