Religious leaders agree they can play bigger role in countering terrorist ideologies | June 22, 2007

By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2007 1950 hrs

Singapore: Local and international religious leaders agree they can play a bigger role in countering terrorist ideologies.

They were responding to Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng's call for faith leaders to lead the way.

Religious and community leaders interact often with their congregation.

And with some 50 religious delegates from countries like Malaysia and Sweden here to attend a seminar on inter-faith harmony, Deputy Prime Minister Wong told them they are in a good position to challenge terrorist messages, whenever they occur.

Religious leaders agree they should be resolute and unambiguous in their stand against terrorist violence.

Said Mohd Alami Musa, President, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, "It's a very important message because if people detect there's a certain sense of uncertainty from religious leaders, then they may be easily swayed to the other side and we do not want this to happen.

"And it's very clear in terms of extremism or violence, religions are very clear that there's no place for such extremism, radicalism or violence in religion. It's important for religious leaders to play the role to enhance [and] strengthen resilience of their flock and their congregation."

"As a community, we organise seminars, conferences, talk to them, that's the only way... everybody’s doing that and in Australia, our Australian government [is] fully cooperating with us and assisting us in these things," said Shafiq Abdullah Khan, Chairman, Australian Islamic Cultural Centre.

"Religion leads people to goodness. So as a religious leader, when you see something that's wrong, we should step forward. Any religion should be for the good of the country," said Lee Zhiwang, President, Taoist Mission.

Some say the reiteration to reject extremism is also timely, given the arrest, two weeks ago, of a "self-radicalised Singaporean".

"It's a strong reminder to all of us to be on [guard and watchful]. However careful you are, however educated, however disciplined we are, it's bound to happen," said V R Nathan, President, Inter-Religious Organisation.

Religious leaders say there can never be too many reminders about the need to dispel extremist ideologies.

They believe that constant dialogue sessions and seminars are ways to help the community better understand correct religious teachings. - CNA/yy

Posted by admin at June 22, 2007 11:55 AM