Assisi 2011, Anglican Bishop: Building peace is an urgent duty
by Melani Manel Perera
Bishop Kumara Illangasinghe, of the Church of Ceylon, says: "Our world is blessed by the diversity of religions, ethnicities and races: the genuine commitment of all is needed."
Colombo (AsiaNews) - Building peace is "urgent" because "it is not only absence of war and violence", but "room for justice and truth”, says Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe, retired Anglican bishop of Kurunegala, of the Church of Ceylon, awaiting the Day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace and justice in the world which is celebrated in Assisi tomorrow. The pilgrimage will be a commemoration of the first 25 years of the first Assisi Day, celebrated by Pope John Paul II and religious leaders from around the world October 27, 1986.
"No one can bring about peace, justice and truth alone - says Rev. Illangasinghe - We need a concerted effort, especially in a world like ours, blessed by the diversity of religions, ethnicities and races". For this reason, according to the Anglican bishop "a pluralistic approach in building peace is not an option but a duty."
From the pilgrimage to Assisi, Rev. Illangasinghe expects a "genuine commitment", which is "the beginning of a long and difficult journey for all the peoples of the world", to "create space for understanding between communities and individuals." "People – the Bishop Emeritus concludes - should be able to live in a democratic world, free from fear and corruption".
"No one can bring about peace, justice and truth alone - says Rev. Illangasinghe - We need a concerted effort, especially in a world like ours, blessed by the diversity of religions, ethnicities and races". For this reason, according to the Anglican bishop "a pluralistic approach in building peace is not an option but a duty."
From the pilgrimage to Assisi, Rev. Illangasinghe expects a "genuine commitment", which is "the beginning of a long and difficult journey for all the peoples of the world", to "create space for understanding between communities and individuals." "People – the Bishop Emeritus concludes - should be able to live in a democratic world, free from fear and corruption".
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