The Department of Political Science and International Relations, Nile University of Nigeria, held a webinar tagged “Interfaith Perspectives on Education about Human Fraternity Document”. The guests for the event were, Monsignor Khaled Akasheh (Head of Islam Office, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Rome Italy), His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, and Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu (Secretary-General, Jama’tu Nasril Islam (JNI)). The program started with an introduction of guests by Prof. Ahmet Arabaci (HOD, Political Science). In his introduction, Prof. Arabaci commented that the purpose of the event is to discuss pressing issues as regards religious disparity in Nigeria and the world at large.
Following this, Monsignor Khaleed was invited for his presentation. Monsignor Khaleed commenced his speech by noting that the webinar is of great need due to the increasing extremism and terrorism that is causing anguish, death, and suffering in countries all over the world. He commented further that the root cause of conflict between the two major religions (Islam and Christianity) can be attributed to misunderstanding and that the reason for the Human Fraternity document is not only to serve as a guide for future generations but also to advance a culture of mutual respect and awareness of divine grace that makes everyone sisters and brothers.
The second speaker, Dr. Khalid, in his speech commented that human life is sacred, and so, nobody has the right to take another person’s life. He mentioned that it is important that individuals learn to respect one another irrespective of differences and concluded by saying that he hopes to see political leaders of the world work together to ensure peace, love, care, and unity in their countries which is the sole purpose of the human fraternity document.
The last speaker, Cardinal Olorunfemi Onayekan who spoke from the education perspective commented that education has different dimensions as it not only involves impartation of knowledge and skill but also, involves character building and formation. He commented further that even though it might seem like the two major religions (Islam and Christianity) are fundamentally different; yet, these two religions have a lot in common as they both agree for instance that honesty and modesty are good human traits. In conclusion, Cardinal Onayekan commented that the human fraternity document is a valuable resource for interfaith education of human family which could divert us from the path of destruction, reorientate our minds and behaviors, and as well reminds us about the importance of unity in diversity.
The Program ended with an interactive session.
