Vatican spreads Deepavali cheer with unity call
The Vatican has called on Hindus and Christians to join together with followers of other religions and with people of goodwill to foster a culture of inclusion for a just and peaceful society.
In its Deepavali message, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue said in a statement today, that in the face of increasing discrimination, violence and exclusion in the world, nurturing a culture of inclusion can be seen as one of the most genuine aspirations of people everywhere.
It added that while globalisation had brought about fresh opportunities, it had not achieved its primary objective of integrating local people in the global community.
Globalisation had also contributed significantly to many people losing their socio-cultural, economic and political identities.
"The negative effects of globalisation have also had an impact on religious communities throughout the world since they are intimately related to surrounding cultures.
"In fact, globalisation has contributed to the fragmentation of society and to an increase in relativism and syncretism in religious matters, as well as bringing about a privatisation of religion."
It added that religious fundamentalism and ethnic, tribal and sectarian violence in different parts of the world today are largely manifestations of the discontent, uncertainty and insecurity among people, particularly the poor and marginalised who have been excluded from the benefits of globalisation.
The Vatican added that the negative consequences of globalisation, such as widespread materialism and consumerism, have made people more self-absorbed, power-hungry and indifferent to the rights, needs and sufferings of others.
Such indifference, it said, gave rise to a "culture of exclusion" in which the poor, marginalised and vulnerable are denied their rights, as well as the opportunities and resources that are available to other members of society.
"In various ways, the exploitation of children and women, the neglect of the elderly, sick, differently-abled, migrants and refugees, and the persecution of minorities are sure indicators of this culture of exclusion.
"Nurturing a culture of inclusion thus becomes a common call and a shared responsibility, which must be urgently undertaken.
"It is a project involving those who care for the health and survival of the human family here on earth, and which needs to be carried out amid, and in spite of, the forces that perpetuate the culture of exclusion." ." – October 21, 2014.
