Seminar on Christian Muslim Dialogue and Role of Christian Teachers
Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Teachers' Team Pakistan's National Seminar on Christian Muslim Dialogue and Role of Christian Teachers was held on June 21 at Ibn-e-Maryam Hall Catholic Church, Faisalabad. More than 70 teachers from different cities of Punjab attended the Seminar.
The resource person was, Mr. Aatif Jamil, Deputy Director, Human Development Centre, Toba. Seminar was started with the warm welcome of guests followed by prayer by John Victor, treasure of T.T. National Office. After that a message by Mr. Carlos Crisostomo, T.T. Asian coordinator was read.
Then Mr. Aatif started his lecture mixed with well arranged activities. The purpose of our dialogue is to acquire equal citizenship and equality at all social and economic levels. We have to accept that all religions, faiths and cultures are different but all human beings are equal. So we have to accept
individuality of others and respect them as they are. This is the concept of Unity in Diversity. And
Teachers' Team in Pakistan has started this movement on teachers' level by arranging this seminar here today, he said.
We should not only expect peace and harmony from others nor can we oppress or force others for peace and harmony. It always starts from one's heart. A society said to be in the situation of peace when all inhabitants of that society possess all necessary facilities, everyone's needs are fulfilled and everyone have equal rights, he added.
It was also observed that the syllabus in Pakistani schools is discriminatory and does not represent all people living in the country. It should be reviewed and much more Islamic teachings should be cut off from the syllabus.
It was unanimously accepted that the Christian teachers should play a key role for this purpose.
Christian teachers should adapt such type of in class activities which preach peace and love. A number of activities were mentioned by the resource person and teachers as well to practice in the schools.
Mr. James Lal, National coordinator of T.T. Pakistan said, our charter is to work for a quality education and an educational system based on democratic values and defense of human rights, especially the rights of the child, within the school and within society. That's why we feel that to achieve our aims and objectives, Christian Muslim dialogue is the need of time. (QF)
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