Vicar of Arabia: a new model of fraternal society at Expo2020
In conjunction with the International Day of Tolerance, the Italian Pavilion hosts the Global Interfaith Summit. Emirati Minister: values part of "global society" and "daily life". Bishop Hinder recalls the saint of Assisi and the document signed by the Pope and the Imam. "Seeking" one's brother and sister.
Dubai (AsiaNews) - People of faith are called to work together "to build a world in which we care for each other" and, at the same time, strive to "safeguard the environment" and "society" in which we live; even in finance and industry, which must no longer be at the expense of "the natural ecosystem,” says Monsignor Paul Hinder, vicar of southern Arabia (Emirates, Oman and Yemen) and apostolic administrator vacant see of northern Arabia (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain).
The prelate was speaking at the Global Interfaith Summit promoted today at the Italian Pavilion organized for the "Week of Tolerance" underway at Expo2020 Dubai and which coincides with the International Day of Tolerance called by UNESCO in 1995, to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
One of the themes of the Universal Exposition underway in the Emirates is that of "tolerance, fraternity, compassion and understanding", which must distinguish global societies in the direction of a sustainable future.
The session was opened by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance of the Emirates and Commissioner General of Expo, who stressed the objective of "uniting 192 nations" under the principles of "coexistence, fraternity and hope" in order to create "a better future for all humanity".
These elements, the minister added, must be "part of global society" and integral elements "of daily life." In the speech, he repeatedly stressed the central role of tolerance, which allows us "to understand the differences" between human beings and helps to understand "the values" that distinguish people and different societies. It is time to "counteract the ignorance that raises walls" and encourage dialogue, the only way to "enrich human nature".
This was followed by Msgr. Hinder's speech entitled "Multilateralism and fraternity: the path to a cohesive society," which strongly recalled the meeting between Pope Francis and the Imam of al-Azhar in February 2019, with the signing of the historic document on "Human Fraternity."
The prelate recalled the papal encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" and the example of life represented by St. Francis, who looked with equal attention and respect not only at human beings, but all elements of creation "considering them brothers and sisters" in response to God's call.
The story of the saint of Assisi, Msgr. Hinder continues, "is an important lesson" because it teaches that "each of us has the responsibility to go out and look for our own brother and sister." "These," he adds, "can be people who come to our aid or someone who may need our assistance. Whenever we are faced with a need, he stresses, this "allows us to express that potential for fraternity that is contained within each of us."
Even religions in history "cause division" must never forget their "ultimate mission," which is to remind human beings of "their common origins and common destination." Fraternity and cohesion must be the pivotal points around which to found and build "cohesive societies" and "healthy ecosystems". Today, on the occasion of the World Day of Tolerance and in the context of Expo2020, concludes Mgr. Hinder, "may the virtue of fraternity be discovered again by all of us as a path" in the direction of peace, justice, the fight against terrorism, dialogue, protection of places of worship, the enhancement of women and the concept of citizenship.
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