On March 11, 2025, a webinar entitled “Human Fraternity in Action: Insights from the Human Fraternity Forums in India and Lebanon’s Interreligious Context” was collaboratively organized by the Islamic Studies Association (ISA), Vidyajyoti College of Theology, and the Religion & Security Council (RSC).
The event featured as speakers ISA’s member, Fr. Cyril Antony SJ, and RSC Chairman Emiliano Stornelli. The discussion, facilitated by Sch. Julius Tudu SJ, a theology student from Delhi, focused on their work in Tamil Nadu and North Lebanon aimed at fostering through concrete initiatives the vision and the message of the Human Fraternity Document for World Peace and Living Together, signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sh. Ahmed Al Tayyeb.
RSC Chairman recounted his experiences in promoting interreligious dialogue and cooperation in Tripoli, the capital of North Lebanon, under the RSC-led Human Fraternity Initiative. He underscored that peace-building is not merely a one-time event but rather a continuous endeavor that necessitates structured resources in addition to motivation and genuine intentions. He noted that peace models effective in one community may not be applicable in another, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies for reconciliation and interfaith engagement.
Fr. Cyril Antony SJ introduced the Human Fraternity Forums he has established in different communities across Tamil Nadu, as a peace-building model that involves children in educational institutions and training centers to cultivate values of peace and coexistence from a young age. He emphasized the potential of organized educational programs to nurture a culture of harmony and dialogue. Additionally, two of his young students shared their insights from participating in interfaith peace initiatives, illustrating how youth-driven efforts can effectively bridge divides and enhance mutual understanding among diverse communities.
The conversation underscored the significance of peace-building initiatives and the necessity for systematic strategies aimed at fostering coexistence and social stability. Participants of the webinar contributed perspectives on the essentiality of interfaith harmony and the pivotal role of education in cultivating a peaceful society. Nonetheless, concerns were voiced regarding the possible misinterpretation of child-focused peace initiatives by certain fundamentalist factions, who may view these efforts as attempts at religious conversion. This concern highlighted the complexities and sensitivities inherent in interfaith peace initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for clear communication and transparency to avert misunderstandings.
The webinar highlighted the shared responsibility of various faith traditions to advocate for justice, reconciliation, and the dignity of all individuals. The discussions reinforced the importance of constructing bridges rather than barriers, promoting dialogue instead of division, and transforming religious and cultural differences into opportunities for enrichment rather than sources of conflict.
The session concluded with Dr. Fr. Joseph Victor Edwin SJ, who serves as ISA Secretary General as well as RSC Senior Fellow, expressing gratitude to the guest speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and the exchange of innovative ideas.
