The importance of working with other religions

Oct 06, 2017

By Calvin Ohsey
Fr Edward Rayappan represented the Catholic Church in Bernama News Channel’s programme NINE 11 on Malaysia’s Unity-United in Diversity September 18.

The interview was hosted by Hilmy Ashley and Chad (Nur Shazrena Abd Rahim). The panelists were Sheikh Imran Angullia Al- Hafidz representing his non-government organisation (NGO) Erth Ul- Mustafa and Fr Eddie, parish priest of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Director of the Diocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Religious Affairs for the Diocese of Malacca-Johore.

The panelists were asked to comment on the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week organised by the Committee to Promote Inter-Faith Understanding & Harmony Among Adherents under the Department of National Unity and Integration.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was introduced at the world level and should be continued at the national level, said Fr Eddie. He said he has began collaborative initiatives with Sheikh Imran and other NGOs for interfaith harmony.

Sheikh Imran emphasised that people need to adapt their understanding that when two different religious leaders sit together, it is not a debate but aimed towards cooperation and interreligious discussion. As a scholar, he reminded that it is very important to clear up people’s misunderstandings about religion. When religious leaders talk to each other, they will get the right essence. It is good if Islamic religious leaders and non-Muslim religious leaders are seen sitting and talking together as this will be an example for the community. Hence, it can reduce the sensitivity and prejudice gap in the society.

Fr Eddie was asked about the attitudes posed by a handful of people in the media that were also seen to bring disunity and contempt. He said that it was something that could not be avoided. Everywhere, there will be people who will cause trouble. Understanding the purpose of why religion exists is supposed to unite humanity that matters. Fake news on propagation is also able to spread divisions. Fr Eddie suggested that first-party sources are better than the third parties. Media also plays an important role in unifying society. The need to provide neutral information is recommended as not to favour only a particular group of people.

He then shared on a collaborative effort with Sheikh Imran — they are planning to help Rohingya refugees. “It is important to see the whole person as a whole humanity. If we do not love fellow human beings, then what use is religion?” he asked.

Sheikh Imran emphasised personal intentions towards harmonious living, neighbours and friends. He also shared his experience in his involvement with Fr Eddie in an interfaith programme called Sembang Harmoni the Series organised by Hidayah Centre Johor. The highlight of the biggest Harmony Talk dialogue between both of them was in April 2017 at UTM on Knowledgeable and Religious which received support from the Johor State Religious Department.

Chad asked Fr Edward to elaborate on the establishment of tolerance between multiracial and religious communities.

Fr Eddie said that in his experience in the field of family counselling for the past 25 years affirms the foundation of society originated from a family. A loving family can potentially contribute towards a better society. No matter who the leader or even the criminals are, they all come from a basic family unit. He also condemned how parents made use of technology to distract children instead of sharing quality pesonal time.

He also explained how the Spirit of Rukun Negara, religious and moral education help to nuture children and develop a better sense of identity and an ability to see each human being as a gift from God.

In conclusion, Chad asked them to share how they met. Sheikh Imran said that he was very pleased with Fr Eddie who is an easygoing and funny person that suited Sheikh Imran’s friendly and cool personality.

For Fr Eddie, he reiterated again that everyone is God’s gift to each one. He sees Sheikh Imran and his work as an inspiration. He tries to help others, especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalised in society. Fr Eddie is close to Sheikh and wants to help him in the joint projects. According to Fr Eddie, religion exists to defend the poor and not to make us rich in wealth, but rather in love, generosity, kindness and compassion.

Please go to https://youtu.be/ pWyx7-o8OaU to watch the interview.