Seychelles Interfaith Council gaining more recognition |06 November 2014

The Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco), which brings together religious leaders and representatives of different faiths, religions and religious denominations, is gradually gaining more recognition, its chairperson has said.

Roman Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe said the council, set up in 2012, is gaining more and more recognition in the life of our society and this thanks to the dynamism of the managing committee.

Bishop Wiehe said this during the council’s general assembly held recently.

He noted that even though membership to the council has not increased substantially, there is remarkable and growing understanding between members of the managing committee all of whom are from different faiths and denominations.

“This is in itself an accomplishment as it motivates and stimulates us to continue our journey together with renewed purpose and determination,” Bishop Wiehe pointed out.

He noted that the main objective of the council is the simple coming together of religious leaders from different faiths in Seychelles.
“This allows us to know, respect and appreciate each other more and more,” Bishop Wiehe said.

“More than ever in the world today we see the importance and urgency of this respectful dialogue between people of different faiths and churches,” said Bishop Wiehe, stressing that Sifco members’ wish is to be active in promoting peace and harmony in our country.

“Each one of us is deeply attached to his or her faith and church but when we come together we do not in any way give up our belonging to our faith or religion but we are enriched by the varied and profound traditions of other groups,” Bishop Wiehe pointed out.

He said it is an occasion for each council member to deepen and sharpen his or her own religious conviction and to learn to work together to promote a peaceful society where each citizen is valued and can contribute to improve society.

Bishop Wiehe pointed out that the council is conscious of the difficulties for certain religious groups to join in the interfaith dialogue but he nonetheless reminds them that the door is always open for them to join Sifco.

During the past year the Sifco has been present at and taken part in different activities at national level, organised a meeting to reflect on its contribution in society  and also hosted an Indian Ocean forum  in November last year. The Council also launched a branch on Praslin.

Among forthcoming events the council is planning to step up its recently launched chaplaincy in schools and other educational institutions like the UniSey. The aim is to help students to reflect on religious and moral values in their lives.

The Sifco is also preparing to take part in the forthcoming World Religious Assembly in Austria in mid November.
During its recent general meeting Sifco members present reelected the same managing committee from whom a chairman will be chosen during its forthcoming meeting this month.