Inter Parliamentary Committee on Interfaith Issues

Our faith and nationalist narratives have such power. They often rip apart the bonds between different groups of people. It is not necessarily true that those who know each other better kill each other less. Witness Rwanda, witness Bosnia. Race and religion may prove deeper identities than the relatively modern nation state. They are ingrained in us through ritual and story. They claim our allegiance in the decisive hour.

"Stress values" says one lady. “They don’t have the force of narrative” responds Bishop Richard Harries of Pentregarth. The conversation turns to neighbourhoods…how different communities can share ownership of health and environmental amenities through volunteering and working side by side. The focus is also on leadership. Our sacred texts are there to stay. Crucial are those who interpret them. All faith leaders should have experience of the sensitivities of other faiths. Could the Government require seminaries to institute such courses? "Religions will resent State interference" says the Bishop but maybe this Committee could convene a conference of heads of seminaries by invitation?