Exchange on the other hand is giving one thing in return for another.
Religion expresses beliefs, practices, opinions and ideas about the supernatural
being. It will be expected that such beliefs, practices or opinion and ideas
opposes one another. These calls for recognition and respect for these
differences for a peaceful co-existence. This is what many nations have
succeeded in doing as a necessity. I am proud to say that Sierra Leone is one of
the leading nations all over the world in this regard.
Sierra Leone is a small country on the West Coast of Africa with a population of
about
six
million
people.
The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) is an interfaith organization
that was formed to promote peaceful coexistence and collaboration amongst the
various religions. It was formed at a time of dire need of the people of Sierra
Leone when it seemed like every effort to bring peace to the then war-torn
country was unsuccessful. This particular form of interfaith collaboration, was a
novelty as it had not yet be done in many parts of Africa or in the world in the
sense that leaders of various religions committed themselves to working together
to find a lasting solution to a conflict that had endangered so much destruction
to life and property. Further more, this collaboration in favor of finding lasting
solution to the Sierra Leone conflict, enhanced better understanding and
comprehension of each other.
Through Constructive interfaith dialogue and consultations amongst the leaders
of the two main religions' (Christianity and Islam), the IRCSL was able to
establish a dialogue forum between the government of Sierra Leone and the
Revolutionary United Front which eventually led to the signing of the Lome'
Peace Accord in 1998 and the ending of the war in 2002. Thanks to this crucial
intervention of the IRCSL. The Council was entrusted the responsibility to serve
as "MORAL GUARANTOR" of the Lome' Peace Accord and its implementation.
Perhaps some one at this meeting may be wondering how leaders of two
different religions were able to work together to accomplish such a monumental
task of conflict resolution. The answer is, constructive interfaith dialogue and
consultation. Please permit me now to share some experiences in Sierra Leone
how
we
have
been able to
achieve
peaceful
interfaith
co-existence.
,
Both religions (Christianity and Islam) are aware of their responsibility to provide
social services for their people such as education and health. Infact, There are
more schools and hospitals owned by religious organilations than government.
In these institutions, there is an exchange of personnel in delivering services,
resources and beneficiaries with little or no barriers. Christian doctors, nurses, or
teachers for example can serve in Islamic institutions, verse versa. Pupils can
attend schools of other religious organisations and are encouraged to take part in
their religious activities. For example, my mission, The Wesleyan Church of