A spate of Quran burning in Sweden, and Denmark and the rise of Finland’s far-right party True Finns has highlighted how globally, there appears to be a growing intolerance of both immigrants and Islam, particularly in the right-wing political discourses.
Majoritarianism backed by nationalism is becoming a threat to minorities everywhere globally.
It is therefore worth reviewing how and why the sacredness of freedom of speech of few, has come to take precedence over the sanctity of human dignity and the sacredness of religious texts. How and why the freedom of speech is allowed to propagate hate and desecrate what is held sacred and revered by millions & billions around the world?
At a meeting held recently at Central Mosque, Luton Council, Councilors, and different faith leaders discussed the initiative to ‘Protect All Spiritual Scriptures’ (PASS).
The meeting acknowledged that the deliberate burning of any sacred Scripture is an egregious violation of human rights, freedom of religion, and fundamental principles for the diversity of faiths. We live in an interconnected world. It is essential that we work collectively to foster an environment of understanding and mutual respect for all religious and non-religious, beliefs and values.
The meeting requested Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) write to the UK’s Prime Minister and to the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, to appeal for immediate action in response to the burning of the Holy Scriptures, an act that strikes at the core of religious tolerance, respect, and compassion.
“We were moved and humbled by the presence of so many different faith leaders who had given at a very short notice, their valuable time, presence, and input which is highly appreciated and very encouraging”, stated Ifraz Iqbal, General Secretary of Luton Central Mosque. “This meeting has certainly fostered interfaith dialogue, and strengthened community bonds.”
There is a need for robust international laws and treaties to prevent acts of religious desecration and to safeguard the rights and beliefs of religious communities worldwide.
LCoF Chair Prof Zafar Khan stated, “We are a town where the majority of people have faith, and those of no faith also want the best for our town. Let nothing distract us from walking together in solidarity and in mutual respect for one another.”
Joined by the Luton Council and Councillors, Luton’s faith leaders discussed the initiative ‘Protect All Spiritual Scriptures’ (PASS). They called for laws to prevent acts of religious desecration and to safeguard the beliefs of religious communities worldwide.
Joined by the Luton Council and Councillors, Luton’s faith leaders discussed the initiative ‘Protect All Spiritual Scriptures’ (PASS). They called for laws to prevent acts of religious desecration and to safeguard the beliefs of religious communities worldwide.
Joined by the Luton Council and Councillors, Luton’s faith leaders discussed the initiative ‘Protect All Spiritual Scriptures’ (PASS). They called for laws to prevent acts of religious desecration and to safeguard the beliefs of religious communities worldwide.