MADRID, Spain.
On June 2, different traditions and religious institutions gathered at the Central Mosque in Madrid for an interfaith rally for peace and the welcoming of refugees and migrants. A significant number of members of the Teresian Association participated in the event.
The meeting aimed to show society that, beyond our differences, we are united in the strength of our spiritualties, and to find ways to join forces towards common goals for the dignity and the rights of humanity, to work together for a more just, more equitable and more fraternal world.
The mosque was packed. Men and women, young, old and some children had come with the desire to offer this "new continent of the displaced," a gesture of faith, solidarity and hope for the future. The words of the prophet Joel 2:28 came to mind; what our eyes beheld was not a dream, it was a reality: "It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams." The elderly, despite their mobility difficulties were there in the front row, encouraging us to dream and to keep hope younger.
In the first part of the event, there was a presentation of today’s reality. Different images showed the painful reality: The Balkan route, concertinas of Ceuta and Melilla, the huge coffin that is becoming the Mediterranean Sea, wars, famines, religious persecutions ... And faced so much pain the Europe of human rights raises fences and borders to get rid of refugees and migrants.
Two young people of the Baha'i community sang “the color of your heart.” Through an engaging dialogue, three people showed the causes of this dramatic situation. Then two young Muslims concluded this part of the event with a song in their own language through which expressed the feelings experienced by a refugee when s/he leaves his/her country.
“Mea culpa”
An important moment of the gathering was called "Mea culpa of religions". The organizers felt that we had to recognize the violence generated by the followers of different religions at different times in history because we have also distorted the prophetic and good message that they contain, and we have also been a source of division and conflict.
Religions help transform human beings, helping them overcome their selfishness and rancor, to forgive, to become more like the compassionate and merciful God. Despite our past mistakes, we now have in our hands the opportunity to overcome the barriers that prevent us from approaching the other, meet and welcome him/her as they are. The road is dialogue, listening, and mutual understanding.
We are part of the same human family, which has its richness in diversity and plurality. Together, we can overcome prejudices and live together peacefully. It is our responsibility and our desire to work for it.
Statements
Riay Tatary, Imam and President of the Union of Islamic Communities of Spain.
He said that welcoming and peace are deeply rooted in Islam and that all the chapters of Islam begin by saying: "In the name of God the Merciful ..." What characterizes the human being is our capacity for clemency and mercy, allowing us to welcome the other, and treat other humanely. The Muslim greeting is: Peace be with you, to which the answer: With you be peace.
José Luis Segovia, vicar of Social Pastoral and Innovation, of the Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Madrid.
He reminded that we are God’s gift, his creatures, the work of his loving design, free people and our faith calls us to transform reality and dream of justice and peace.
Pastor Ricardo Moraleja, Spanish Evangelical Church
The Bible teaches us not make a distinction between people. The current crisis of refugees will continue shaping the future of old Europe, and it is precisely here that our tradition and our faith call for hospitality.
Yael Cobano, Reformed Jewish Community of Madrid.
When refugees knock on the doors of freedom, we learn about the origins of our ancestors. He mentioned different biblical people who had to leave their country and settle elsewhere. One of these was Joseph, who was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Later, Jacob and his sons had leave the land of Canaan due to hunger, and settled in Egypt. He quoted the book of Exodus: "Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Ex 33:9)
Avelina Frias Velázquez, co-director of the Shambhala Buddhism Center in Madrid.
In Shambhala, they hold a strong belief in the fundamental goodness of every human being and society. This basic goodness is available to each of us and our society at every moment, because it is nothing but the recognition of the inherent dignity that belongs to us because of who we are, and that goes beyond any concept of good and evil. This historic moment we live is tough, but it is also a great opportunity for each one of us recognize this human principle, and be able to move our hearts to the transformation of reality.
Yoel Yerra, Association for Krishna consciousness.
Life is sacred and everyone, regardless of creed, race or nationality, has the same rights to live on this planet that God has given us.
Even if those present here do not have in our hands the power to open borders to accommodate all these people who are fleeing war, misery and despair, we have our word and the duty to use it to educate those around us about the unconditional love for God and our inherent condition to be servants of all mankind.
Nueria Vahdar Owrang, Baha'i Community of Spain.
Peace and conflict resolution are two areas where religion should try to influence. The role of religion for social advancement is increasingly urgent in a world that yearns to achieve peace.
Religion has inherent powers to deal with contemporary challenges. It has a social function, and it can and should become a source of harmony and brotherhood.
Pastor Alejandro Medel, Metropolitan Community Church.
He asked us if for two thousand years we have been acting as Jesus did.
As Christians, we need to make our own the spirit of Jesus to always walk through life with an open heart and open arms, always alert to small signs, welcome all, even those who do not not think like we do.
After these statements, representatives of all religious traditions present at the event, shared a common gesture for Peace, which involved the construction of a large dove made with pieces of a puzzle. It ended with the Ode to Joy sung by all, in which the chorus resounded with strength and hope in our midst with one voice: Come, sing, dream singing, that all people will again be brothers and sisters.
Religions for welcoming and peace
To end, a manifesto, "Religions for Peace and welcoming" was read. It was signed by 18 religious traditions and institutions.
Through this Manifesto, they speak of solidarity and welcoming the refugees as they denounce current views and attitudes toward refugees.
Signers of the statement:
Islamic Commission of Spain
Baha'i Community of Spain
Reformed Jewish Community of Madrid
Metropolitan Community Church
Spanish Evangelical Church
Syrian Orthodox Church
Social Pastoral Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Madrid (Roman Catholic Church)
Society for Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishna)
Shambhala Buddhist Center of Madrid
Other groups and associations:
Arco Association Forum
International Ecumenical Fellowship
Exodus Association for Social Transformation
Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, Archbishop of Madrid of the Roman Catholic Church.
Community of Saint'Egidio
Christian Communities of Madrid
Focolare Movement
Gospel Platform, Justice and Human Rights
Christian Networks
Inmaculada González Villa
President of the International Ecumenical Association