Sifco drives World Interfaith Harmony Week initiatives across public and private sectors |02 February 2024

From February 1 to 7, 2024, the world commemorates World Interfaith Harmony Week. The Seychelles Interfaith Council, an organisation dedicated to fostering unity, understanding, and cooperation among diverse religious communities, yesterday officially called on all public and private organisations, including schools, to take part in the World Interfaith Harmony Week by engaging in various activities of their choice.

Archdeacon Danny Elizabeth, chairperson of the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco), shared how happy the council was about involving both private and public organisations in promoting this week.

“World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 and serves as a global platform to celebrate the rich cultural and religious diversity that contributes to Seychelles' harmonious and vibrant identity. This annual event seeks to promote mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue as crucial elements of a culture of peace,” he said.

He also shared that this week was introduced by H.M King Abdullah II of Jordan and adopted by the United Nations in 2010. “The root of the initiative finds its meaning in the ‘Love of God and Love for our Neighbour.’ To put it simply, it means living in harmony with your neighbour because God loves you, and God loves your neighbour too. This understanding does not compromise the pillars of one’s religion. The idea is central to all religions and faiths.”

Sifco emphasises that creating a harmonious society is the right and responsibility of every individual, transcending faith differences. “Locally, many activities have gone unnoticed, which have contributed to creating a harmonious society. Most of the time, we do not realise it. On the one hand, the Seychelles Charter of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms spells out this formula clearly.”

“However, in a dynamic society, there are many challenges as everyone seeks to express their rights and freedom. It is in this regard that we always need to remind ourselves that creating a harmonious society is the right and responsibility of every person, regardless of our faith, as long as we all respect the rights and responsibilities of each other. My rights end where yours begin,” shared the chair of Sifco.

Interfaith Harmony Week calls upon us to reflect on our contribution at various social strata. “In our homes, every member needs to contribute positively for the betterment of the family. Laziness and irresponsibility are antidotes to family values. They create disharmony. When we put extra effort into our work and the task is valued by the work ethos, the whole organisation benefits. Recently, the outcry to live in harmony with our environment has made headlines. Protecting the environment and addressing climate change is equally important locally and internationally. The voice of Seychelles is as loud as much bigger countries. Should humanity choose not to care for and live in harmony with the environment, we are creating our own destruction,” stated the chair of Sifco.

Sifco thus decided to invite government officials to actively take part in events such as panel discussions and cultural exchanges, setting a positive example for the community. Private businesses are encouraged to organise workshops and activities promoting unity among employees, contributing to a thriving community. Schools are urged to organise educational programmes, art exhibitions, and interfaith dialogues to instill values of tolerance and acceptance among the younger generation.

Sifco is seeking the involvement of various organisations, emphasising that participation in the World Interfaith Harmony Week will play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and building a more inclusive and tolerant Seychelles. The council extends an invitation for continued engagement beyond the designated week.

Meanwhile, Sifco is looking forward to a positive response and cooperation in making World Interfaith Harmony Week a success and has thanked all participants for their commitment to building a more harmonious Seychelles.

Vidya Gappy