by Weena Kowitwanij

A multi-faith meeting involving Muslims, Christians and Buddhists discusses the idea. All agree, including government officials, to the importance of preserving local religions and cultures.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Religion can help a country's development as well that of its society, a view that is shared by thousands of Buddhists, Christians and Muslims who gathered to discuss "How religious teachings can help improve the standard of living in the rural areas". More than 75,000 people came to the meeting, including farm leaders, rural council members and government officials.

Phrathamkittiwong, rector of the Buddhist temple of Rajcha-Orasaram, said that "every religion is good, but teachings mean nothing if they are not put into practice. Religious teachings can be useful only if they are put into action to improve ourselves and resist temptations. This is the task of parents, monks and teachers."

Wisarut Lauwiti, a Muslim representative, stressed the love for country taught by Islam. "In a rapidly developing society," he noted, "the most important thing for us Muslims is to lead a life that respects religious teachings, whatever the religion, as long as it touches the spirit." Sadly, he said, "materialism is destroying spiritual values."

Fr Jospeh Phaisal Anamwat, secretary general of the Catholic Commission for Inter-religious and Cultural Dialogue, was part of the Catholic delegation. "The main teaching in Christianity is Love thy God with all thy heart, spirit and mind; Love thy neighbour like thyself. This explains why Christians run schools to groom the young and open shelters to help the poor."

Addressing rural administrators, the clergyman urged them to "do the same to help the development of the population." Speaking to villagers, he encouraged them to forge ties of solidarity amongst themselves. "Everyone must play their role: parents, friends, teachers".

Finally, Phimpaka Chucksitm, a member of the Phailom organisation in Nakhon Panom province, said it would be a good thing if all three religions took to all of the ideas expressed.  "Fulfilling our duty and mutual solidarity can help communal development," he said.

"As public officials we are committed to preserving local religions and cultures. And I must accept that religious teachings are indispensable in leading a happy life every day."

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• development