IFAPA Summit on using inter-faith religion to reduce conflict

On the 31st July religious leaders from around Africa came together to discuss pressing issues regarding ‘Citizenship in a Democratic Society’, the theme of the 5th IFAPA (Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa) Summit; a two-day conference, taking place at the Inter-Continental Hotel at OR Tambo Airport.

Representatives of Africa's main religious, political, legal and business communities reiterated the importance of continuing inter-faith engagement in seeking to resolve Africa's challenges. Following on the IFAPA tradition, the summit commenced with the opening prayers from selected religious representatives which included Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Judaism/Jewish, Christianity, Muslim and the African traditional religion who were all dressed in their traditional attire.

Co-hosts Dr. Noko and Dr. Handa, Commissioner of IFAPA, welcomed guests from far and near and conducted the opening statements for the summit. Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko, president of IFAPA, emphasised the importance of bringing together and acknowledging of the different religions and their perspectives which has now become a tradition since its inception in 2002. 

These peace initiatives by IFAPA are intended to create a safe platform or opportunity for consultation. “IFAPA is a platform that creates a time of listening, a time for reflection and a safe place where giving consultations can be conducted and different opinion’s given with respect for the other and to engage with other stakeholders in society for the sake of peace,” says Dr Noko.

Rabbi Ron Hendler, Director of the office of the Chief Rabbi of Cape Town, and the third speaker on day one, discussed the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in relation to ethics and morals of today’s youth, with a large focus on theological perspectives of citizenship. The Rabbi focused on Human potential to create change and Peace with the acknowledgement that we are created in the image of God.

Questions were raised regarding how we should live together as a society, how we elect a responsible government and how important it is that each and every citizen upholds their civic responsibilities. There were further discussions, which revolved around elections, discussing what it means to lead and why it is important for leaders to step down at the right time. How citizens and people in public office need to have a mutual respect for each other. “We try to act together in ensuring we take our citizenship seriously,” says Dr. Noko.

“African communities are taking democracy seriously, it’s not perfect but it’s the best thing and the only hope we have at the moment; to live in peace and in a dignified manner. It’s necessary that we can exercise our civil responsibilities in a fair and free way,” proclaims Dr. Noko.

Dr. Pakalitha B. Mosisili MP, Former Prime Minister of Lesotho, was the fourth speaker for the day whose topic focused on the theme for this summit, ‘Citizenship in a Democratic society’. “As we surely all know, modern parlance defines democracy as a government of the people by the people and for the people,” says Mosisili. “This definition places the people or citizens at the beginning, at the centre and at the end in a democratic society”.

In conclusion, Dr Mosisili emphasised that this IFAPA summit could not have come at a more opportune time. “We cannot afford to be complacent or adopt a nonchalant attitude to change. It will not happen on its own. Leadership, both in the public and private sectors, as well as in faith- based institutions like IFAPA, need to consciously and deliberately champion change, because it is the right thing to do. As leaders and drivers of change we must be bold enough to abandon customs that perpetuate dictatorship and discrimination in all its forms,” concluded Dr. Mosisili.

Mr. Themba N Masuku, Former Director of FAO and Former Deputy Prime Minister of Swaziland, was the final speaker for the day educating the guests on the Right to Food and Political Rights. Mr. Masuku advised that there are instruments in place that formalize these rights such as charters, conventions and protocols at the international, continental and regional levels, and constitutions at the national level. As these different instruments are signed and ratified by governments they become effective and transfer such rights to all the citizens.

It is important to note and clearly understand that exercising these rights by individual citizens must not interfere with the enjoyment of the same rights by other citizens in that particular society or democracy. Mr. Masuku further explains, “The right to food is not free food which is a common misunderstanding, which is that the right to food requires the State to feed its people. This is not necessarily the case. Rather, the state must respect and protect the rights of individuals to feed themselves”.

Mr. Masuku concludes by stating that mankind is facing enormous challenges socially, economically, politically and naturally. “We all pretend or think we want to solve these challenges, yet our collective behaviour indicates otherwise,” proclaims Mr. Masuku. “The world is trying to find peace in an environment driven by greed, selfishness, racism, religious conflicts, superiority complex and self-centred decision making. We continue to violate human right through wars planned and conducted against innocent people including children and women,” further describes Mr. Masuku.

This collaboration of seven different religions that came together to focus on the central topic of Peace and citizenship in a democratic society, seeks to bring a deeper understanding of the role of citizens in the development of a democratic society. IFAPA seeks also to contribute to the search of a global consensus on democratic values, principles and essential elements and all other elements, which would uplift the respect for, and protection of individual freedoms, the rule of law, the equality of citizens before the law and the maintenance of an ‘open society’ where all citizens feel secure.

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