Faith and conflict: Pope, Indonesia imam issue warning

“The global phenomenon of dehumanisation is marked especially by widespread violence and conflict. It is particularly worrying that religion is often instrumentalised in this regard.

“The role of religion should include promoting and safeguarding the dignity of every human life,” read the joint declaration signed by Pope Francis and Indonesia’s Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta.

In a speech before leaders of Indonesia’s six recognised religions - Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism - Francis stated that “we are all brothers, all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us”.

According to AFP, the 87-year-old pope, who is on a tour around the Asia-Pacific, was welcomed to the mosque by a percussion band often used in Islamic ceremonies.

Following this, both Francis and Nasaruddin listened to a passage from the Quran and a passage from the Bible recited by a young blind girl.

Their declaration also underscored the importance of taking “decisive action” against the environmental crisis which is a threat to human civilisation.

“The human exploitation of creation, our common home, has contributed to climate change,” it read.

The joint statement said climate change had led “to various destructive consequences such as natural disasters, global warming, and unpredictable weather patterns”.

Speaking to AFP, Nasaruddin said their meeting focused on two messages.

“The first one... humanity is only one, there are no colours. The second one, is how to save our environment,” he added.

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