Stop all these inter-faith blasphemy

[LITTLEREDDOT]

New name for constituency inter-racial and inter-faith groups, with more activities and outreach​

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong speaking at the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles' 20th anniversary celebrations. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM

Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent

JUL 30, 2022

SINGAPORE - Constituency groups that build trust among people of different races and faiths will get a new name and soon step up their activities and outreach.
The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs), first set up in 2002, will become Racial and Religious Harmony Circles and deepen their work of building trust, understanding and confidence among the various communities in peacetime and in times of crisis.
This is part of upcoming plans decided by a workgroup to ensure IRCCs can better meet challenges such as evolving societal attitudes, fault lines and the impact of social media.
The workgroup was set up in March by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The 28 members, including IRCC leaders and those representing youth, women and community partners, met over six sessions that ended in July.
The changes, to be rolled out in the next two to three years, were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong at the IRCC's 20th anniversary celebrations at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on Saturday (July 30).
The workgroup's proposals include getting the Harmony Circles to have more regular and coordinated programmes, including flagship ones, to build trust and understanding and promote more interaction and collaboration between communities.
Singapore has 91 IRCCs across all constituencies, with more than 1,500 members who are all volunteers. The IRCCs organise over 250 activities each year.

The workgroup suggested that July be dedicated as racial and religious harmony month, with Harmony Circles organising community celebrations such as roadshows to engage more people.
Another recommendation is for the networks to be more representative across age, gender and organisation affiliation. Harmony Circle membership should be extended to local community partners such as schools, civic society and business groups, said the workgroup.
It also called for the circles to grow their own capabilities through more structured training.

In terms of outreach, the workgroup recommends adopting digital and physical channels for engagement, as well as revamping the current IRCC website.
IRCCs were first mooted by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in 2002 as the world reeled from the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.
Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh, who attended Saturday's event, said the founding fathers understood from day one that they did not want a society organised along racial and religious lines, which is why successive generations have worked hard to make racial and religious diversity a strength.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong speaking at the IRCC's 20th anniversary celebrations at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on July 30, 2022. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM
Going forward, to truly achieve harmony, Singapore must preserve and grow common spaces in society, guard against religious extremism and promote day-to-day interactions between different communities, said ESM Goh.
During Saturday's event, Mr Tong said the nation's unique brand of multiracialism and multiculturalism is a core part of the Singaporean identity.
"At the same time, we can't for a moment... be complacent. We can't presume that what we have is either perfect or that it will remain for some time," he added.
Mr Tong noted that Singapore did not simply set out to achieve harmony by ignoring or eliminating cultural diversity or by asking ethnic minority groups to adopt the language, norms and attitudes of the majority group.
"On the contrary, we have long recognised that we need to actively protect the position of the minorities, and that, fundamentally, is how we achieved our state of religious and racial harmony," he said.
Compared to other countries, Singaporeans today live in relative peace and stability as there are no tensions or violence arising from racial strife or discrimination because of race or religious beliefs, added Mr Tong.
"We do not have racial or religious enclaves in our residential estates that perhaps people from other races or religions might worry about stepping into."

But lessons from the region and the past show the need for deliberate policies and careful safeguards to ensure racial harmony, he added.
This is why the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act is in place, while the Group Representation Constituency system requires at least one member from a minority racial community to be part of the team of candidates contesting in an election, he added.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, IRCCs continued to build capabilities such as in mediation and facilitation while working with partners to deepen inter-ethnic and inter-faith understanding, said Mr Tong.
"This refresh of our Harmony Circles is one of the many efforts to ensure that we continue to do our best to preserve the hard-won social, religious and racial harmony that we enjoy and a constant reminder that we don't take it for granted," he said.
Ms Seyed Nazhath Faheema, 37, vice-chair of Eunos IRCC, said she is looking forward to the capability trainings as she wants to further hone skills in mediation, crisis management and facilitation.
"There is a difference in a person trained or not trained in facilitation, who has the empathy skills to listen and tolerate views that they might not want to hear," said Ms Faheema, who also founded a youth-led social harmony advocacy group, hash.peace, in 2015.
Excited at seeing more youth taking on leadership roles, she said: "Young people need the chance to lead in certain real-life situations where they try to get people of not just different races and religions but also different opinions and worldviews to come together."

 

[blackmondy]

New name for constituency inter-racial and inter-faith groups, with more activities and outreach​

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong speaking at the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles' 20th anniversary celebrations. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM

Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent
UPDATED

JUL 30, 2022, 8:16 PM SGT

FacebookTwitter

SINGAPORE - Constituency groups that build trust among people of different races and faiths will get a new name and soon step up their activities and outreach.
The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs), first set up in 2002, will become Racial and Religious Harmony Circles and deepen their work of building trust, understanding and confidence among the various communities in peacetime and in times of crisis.
This is part of upcoming plans decided by a workgroup to ensure IRCCs can better meet challenges such as evolving societal attitudes, fault lines and the impact of social media.
The workgroup was set up in March by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The 28 members, including IRCC leaders and those representing youth, women and community partners, met over six sessions that ended in July.
The changes, to be rolled out in the next two to three years, were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong at the IRCC's 20th anniversary celebrations at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on Saturday (July 30).
The workgroup's proposals include getting the Harmony Circles to have more regular and coordinated programmes, including flagship ones, to build trust and understanding and promote more interaction and collaboration between communities.
Singapore has 91 IRCCs across all constituencies, with more than 1,500 members who are all volunteers. The IRCCs organise over 250 activities each year.

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The workgroup suggested that July be dedicated as racial and religious harmony month, with Harmony Circles organising community celebrations such as roadshows to engage more people.
Another recommendation is for the networks to be more representative across age, gender and organisation affiliation. Harmony Circle membership should be extended to local community partners such as schools, civic society and business groups, said the workgroup.
It also called for the circles to grow their own capabilities through more structured training.


In terms of outreach, the workgroup recommends adopting digital and physical channels for engagement, as well as revamping the current IRCC website.
IRCCs were first mooted by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in 2002 as the world reeled from the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.
Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh, who attended Saturday's event, said the founding fathers understood from day one that they did not want a society organised along racial and religious lines, which is why successive generations have worked hard to make racial and religious diversity a strength.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong speaking at the IRCC's 20th anniversary celebrations at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay on July 30, 2022. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM
Going forward, to truly achieve harmony, Singapore must preserve and grow common spaces in society, guard against religious extremism and promote day-to-day interactions between different communities, said ESM Goh.
During Saturday's event, Mr Tong said the nation's unique brand of multiracialism and multiculturalism is a core part of the Singaporean identity.
"At the same time, we can't for a moment... be complacent. We can't presume that what we have is either perfect or that it will remain for some time," he added.
Mr Tong noted that Singapore did not simply set out to achieve harmony by ignoring or eliminating cultural diversity or by asking ethnic minority groups to adopt the language, norms and attitudes of the majority group.
"On the contrary, we have long recognised that we need to actively protect the position of the minorities, and that, fundamentally, is how we achieved our state of religious and racial harmony," he said.
Compared to other countries, Singaporeans today live in relative peace and stability as there are no tensions or violence arising from racial strife or discrimination because of race or religious beliefs, added Mr Tong.
"We do not have racial or religious enclaves in our residential estates that perhaps people from other races or religions might worry about stepping into."
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Race, rights and respect: Reflections on the route to harmony
A Singaporean may not be Chinese, Malay or Indian: Panellist
But lessons from the region and the past show the need for deliberate policies and careful safeguards to ensure racial harmony, he added.
This is why the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act is in place, while the Group Representation Constituency system requires at least one member from a minority racial community to be part of the team of candidates contesting in an election, he added.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, IRCCs continued to build capabilities such as in mediation and facilitation while working with partners to deepen inter-ethnic and inter-faith understanding, said Mr Tong.
"This refresh of our Harmony Circles is one of the many efforts to ensure that we continue to do our best to preserve the hard-won social, religious and racial harmony that we enjoy and a constant reminder that we don't take it for granted," he said.
Ms Seyed Nazhath Faheema, 37, vice-chair of Eunos IRCC, said she is looking forward to the capability trainings as she wants to further hone skills in mediation, crisis management and facilitation.
"There is a difference in a person trained or not trained in facilitation, who has the empathy skills to listen and tolerate views that they might not want to hear," said Ms Faheema, who also founded a youth-led social harmony advocacy group, hash.peace, in 2015.
Excited at seeing more youth taking on leadership roles, she said: "Young people need the chance to lead in certain real-life situations where they try to get people of not just different races and religions but also different opinions and worldviews to come together."

Can someone please summarize this lor-sor talk-cock article in less then 20 words? Gam-siah.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Singapore inter-faith body calls for more responsibility in exchanging views amid Israel-Hamas war​

The Inter-Religious Organisation expressed “deep concern” about the Israel-Hamas war and acknowledged its effects on not just Singapore but the global community. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Aqil Hamzah

Oct 15, 2023

SINGAPORE – People in Singapore may have strong views about the situation unfolding in the Middle East, but should not express them in a manner that incites hatred and destabilises harmony here, said the Republic’s oldest inter-faith body on Sunday.
In its statement, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), which comprises leaders and members from 10 different religious groups, called on people to prioritise shared values in the pursuit of peace and unity, which it said starts with showing sensitivity, care and kindness towards one another.
It also expressed “deep concern” about the Israel-Hamas war and acknowledged the effect that the loss of innocent lives has on not just Singapore, but also the global community.
“In our contemporary society, we encounter a variety of viewpoints on various matters, some of which individuals may hold firmly,” its statement, signed by its president Noor Marican, said.
“However, it remains crucial that we consistently refrain from expressing opinions in ways that incite anger or hatred in our speech. Such expressions can harm other communities and, in extreme cases, even lead to violence.”
Noting that the Internet has allowed information to spread rapidly, with the potential to amplify divisive narratives, it added: “Our collective responsibility is to promote respectful and constructive online and offline dialogue.
“And, if that is not possible, we must move to be calm in the interest of maintaining harmony and understanding in our diverse society.”

Drawing upon Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam’s remarks on Thursday, in which he said external events must never be allowed to affect the precious peace in Singapore, the IRO also stressed the need to promote understanding, harkening back to a 1951 statement issued in the aftermath of the Maria Hertogh riots.
That statement on Feb 22, 1951, was signed by 22 religious leaders and called for understanding and reconciliation after 18 people died and 173 were injured following three days of riots.
It had sprung from the courts’ decision to award custody of the 13-year-old Dutch-Eurasian girl to her birth parents, and was exacerbated by sensational news reporting that turned the custodial battle into a religious one.


“Undoubtedly, the solidarity between religious communities will face tests periodically,” said the IRO in its latest statement.
“The IRO... has observed how moments of conflict have also served as opportunities for us to fortify our connections and mutual understanding. Now is such a moment.”
Meanwhile, both the Jewish Welfare Board and mosques in Singapore have called for unity and peace.

Statement from the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore, on Oct 15. PHOTOS: INTER-RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION, SINGAPORE
Expressing its gratitude to the inter-faith community here for its strong support, the board said the Jewish community holds the Republic’s commitment to a peaceful and pluralistic society in high regard.
“The Jewish community has roots in Singapore since the 1820s and has played an integral part in building the country’s robust religious harmony. Jews in Singapore were among the earliest faith members of the IRO, founded in 1949,” it said on Friday, adding that it was praying for peace alongside Singaporeans.

Mosques featured a sermon during Friday prayers that Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli repeated in a Facebook post on Friday.
He said that “all forms of violence and oppression, regardless of who initiates or perpetuates them, clash with our values as Muslims”.
He also made a call for unity and peace amid the conflict, which has seen more than 1,300 Israelis and 2,200 people in Gaza killed as at Saturday.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

S’pore Mufti and Chief Rabbi exchange letters, reiterate importance of unity as Israel-Hamas war rages on​

Mufti of Singapore Nazirudin Mohd Nasir (left) and Singapore's Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel exchanged letters in the light of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. PHOTOS: ST FILE

Aqil Hamzah

Oct 15, 2023

SINGAPORE - It is of paramount importance to further strengthen the long-standing bonds between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Singapore, even as challenges lie ahead, said the Republic’s Chief Rabbi in a letter to the Mufti of Singapore.
Rabbi Mordechai Abergel had shared the contents of his letter on Sunday in a Facebook post through the Jewish Welfare Board Singapore, as well as that of the one sent to him by Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir last Friday.
While thankful for the Government’s zero-tolerance policy to hate speech, religious hatred and incitement, Rabbi Abergel stressed that the utmost priority is for communities here to come together in light of the Israel-Hamas war that began after militants launched an attack on Oct 7.
In what was the biggest incursion into Israel in decades, Hamas fighters killed at least 250 Israelis and took dozens of hostages during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. More than 230 Gazans were later killed after Israel began retaliatory strikes.
“It is up to us and our communities to ensure that we protect and maintain the delicate fabric of our unique society which is a role model of religious tolerance and respect throughout the world,” said Rabbi Abergel.
Expressing the sorrow experienced by the Jewish community, he added: “Our hearts and prayers are also with innocent Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in this senseless conflict, and we do hope and pray for a peaceful and long-lasting solution to this war and a permanent peace between Israel and the Palestinian people, as elusive as it might seem at this moment.”
Meanwhile, in his counterpart’s letter, Dr Nazirudin said there was nothing that could justify violence on civilians, as he expressed his condolences and solidarity.

“We fear and weep for the sad state of the human soul in this time of unprecedented violence and suffering in the world; how hatred will be entrenched in the minds of victims, how conflicts will be exploited to sow enmity between communities, how compassion and forgiveness will be replaced with anger and vengeance.”
Dr Nazirudin also said he hoped that despite their differences, both Jews and Muslims in the conflict zones can set aside politics in pursuit of “respect, tolerance and harmony.”
He said: “I cherish the trust and confidence between our communities, where we can speak freely and candidly on what matters most to us, and work together towards commonalities that strengthen, not focus on differences that divide.
“Our work to put forth a different model of peaceful co-existence, where every community in Singapore can live peacefully alongside other faiths and celebrate diversity, has now become even more critical.”
Although it may seem difficult, peaceful relations are not impossible, and should be the greatest priority, he added.
In response, Rabbi Abergel said: “May the darkness we are currently experiencing pave the way to light and peace for Jews and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians. May it happen swiftly and decisively in our days.”

 

[blackmondy]

In other words, you can insult any other religion except Islam.

 

[countryman]

Doesn't mean u practice same religion means u can kaypoh other country's affairs..!
I find all religions are harmful to mankind overall!

 

[Loofydralb]

In other words, you can insult any other religion except Islam.

Oh I welcome the insults. Just stick to the facts when you do.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

More than 50 members of the Jewish community attended the event together with their guests, including leaders of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Zoroastrian communities, among others.

Singapore committed to protecting all minority communities: Shanmugam​

(From left) Mr Nash Benjamin, president of the Jewish Welfare Board, Muslim representative Ameerali Abdeali, Christian representative Terry Kee, Zoroastrian representative Ervad Rustom Ghadiali, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam, Chief Rabbi of Singapore Mordechai Abergel, Hindu representative Sengkuttuvan Kanniyappan, and Baha'i representative K. Elango, at the Jacob Ballas Centre, during an event to celebrate the advent of Passover. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

Tham Yuen-C
Senior Political Correspondent

APR 12, 2024

SINGAPORE – Singapore is committed to protecting all minority communities living in the country and they include the Muslim and Jewish communities, said Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam on April 11.
He noted that sentiments against Israel arising from the Gaza conflict could affect the perception of Jewish communities around the world, but pledged that the Government would insulate and protect Singapore’s Jewish community from such impact as much as possible.
Speaking at an event organised by the Jewish Welfare Board to celebrate the advent of Passover, he said: “We have made a clear commitment to protect all our minorities which, in Singapore’s context, include Muslim and Jewish communities, and we take a firm view against any expression of violence, and obviously any actual violence.”
“There is a reason why a Cabinet minister is here, speaking with you – to send a message to everyone that every community in Singapore is equal and will be protected,” he added.
Passover, the most widely observed Jewish festival around the world, begins at sundown on April 22.
Around the world, instances of Islamophobia and anti-semitism have been on the rise, ever since Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis, and Israel’s retaliation in the days since that has killed some 33,000 Palestinians.
In Singapore, the situation has so far looked quite different, noted Mr Shanmugam at the event held at the Jacob Ballas Centre in Waterloo Street.


Singapore is one of few places in the region where Jews can openly profess their faith, he added, noting that the community has had a long history here and played a vital role in building up the country through the years.
While Singapore too has felt some impact from the ongoing war in Gaza, despite trying hard not to import the tensions, conflicts and arguments, the level of friction here is much less than it is elsewhere, he added.
He cited Singapore’s framework of laws, firmness in making clear that laws will be enforced equally, and the efforts made through the years to increase understanding between various communities, as reasons for this.

On the conflict in the Middle East, Mr Shanmugam said both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, have dehumanised each other, and this was bad news for peace, regardless of who is right or wrong.
He added that in the 1960s and 1970s, Israel was seen as the underdog struggling for survival in the Middle East, eliciting natural sympathy from around the world, but this has eroded somewhat due to the policies of different Israeli governments towards the Palestinians.
He added that Singapore’s relations with Israel have been very strong since independence, but “it will not preclude us from taking a principled view on the actions of the different actors in the Middle East, at any point in time”.

Chief Rabbi of Singapore Mordechai Abergel (left) and Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam at the event to mark the advent of Passover, organised by the Jewish Welfare Board. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Recent actions by Israel have been a cause for concern not just for Singapore but also for many in the international community, including the United States, he said.
“It is sad to see that a country like Israel, whose people have suffered so much during the Holocaust and centuries before that, should be accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice.”
This could affect Jewish communities around the world, he added.
This was why a strong stance had to be taken against a recent Facebook post by the Israeli Embassy, he said. The post made on March 24 compared the number of times Israel and Palestine were mentioned in the Quran.
The embassy had taken down the post that same day after intervention by the Government, and later said it had punished a staff member for putting it up without authorisation
Mr Shanmugam said the post risked inflaming tensions and could put the Jewish community here at risk and also undermine peace and harmony, if the anger spilt over into the physical realm.
Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel, speaking at the event, said the main theme of Passover is freedom – the festival commemorates the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.
He added that Jews had found the freedom to practise their faith in Singapore more than 200 years ago, which allowed the community to thrive and make its contribution to the “unique oasis of respect and peaceful coexistence”.
His sentiment was echoed by Ms Leeran Gold, 33, who is a permanent resident here and a member of the Jewish Welfare Board.
The psychologist, who is married to a Singaporean and has lived here for 10 years, said: “I feel very, very safe here, and I think that’s a very special thing to have.”
More than 50 members of the Jewish community attended the event together with their guests, including leaders of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Zoroastrian communities, among others.
Among them was IRO honorary secretary Ameerali Abdeali. Speaking at the sidelines of the event, he said that while personal opinions and feelings about the war in Gaza are allowed, it should not spill over into the physical space.
“Whatever is happening in other parts of the world, we in Singapore have, over the decades, built our friendship... with the Singapore Jewish community, and we want to remain together and to help and protect each other,” he added.
“But at the same time, we are all praying for peace, not only amongst us in Singapore, but over there in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, where there is untold suffering, and we are all affected by it. So we really hope that peace will remain and we will come to a new normal.”

 

[rushifa666]

Jewhadi are the 2nd biggest genociders in history. Considering out Muslim population these idiots want a 911?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Have courage to take risks, engage with others who are different: Pope Francis​

1 of 4

Pope Francis completing a batik painting with students from Catholic Junior College on the final day of his state visit to Singapore on Sept 13. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

2 of 4

Pope Francis being photographed with Mr Edwin Tong, Cardinal William Goh and the leaders of different religions at CJC on Sept 13. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

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Students with mini Singapore and Vatican flags awaiting the arrival of the pontiff at CJC on Sept 13. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Pope Francis arriving at CJC to address an audience of more than 600 participants from over 50 schools and interfaith and religious organisations on Sept 13. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Shermaine Ang

Sep 13, 2024

SINGAPORE - In an age where technology makes it easy to stay in one’s own bubble, young people must build the courage to leave their comfort zone and take risks, said Pope Francis on Sept 13.
Speaking in Italian at Catholic Junior College (CJC), where he participated in an inter-religious dialogue with youth, the Pope urged the young to have courage to speak up and make their own way in life, while being clear-eyed about both the promises and dangers of social media.
“A young person who is afraid and doesn’t take risks is an old person,” said the Pope.
The 87-year-old pontiff, who is head of the worldwide Catholic Church, was addressing an audience of more than 600 participants from over 50 schools and interfaith and religious organisations.
He was hosted by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh, on the last day of his state visit to Singapore.

At the dialogue, three youth leaders shared their experiences fostering inter-religious dialogue in Singapore with the Pope. Among them was Mr Shukul Raaj Kumar, 28, who spoke about his struggles creating a safe space for such dialogue in the face of criticism.
“There are many armchair critics who do not join our engagements or care about this work, despite how absolutely important it is to see each other as belonging to each other,” said the chief coordinator of the Inter-Religious Organisation’s youth wing, who is Hindu.

Pope Francis participating in an inter-religious dialogue at Catholic Junior College where he encouraged the young to make their own way in life. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pope Francis responded that young people should be critics, but they have to be constructive with their criticism and seek to build things, rather than to tear them down.
“Do you have the courage to criticise, but at the same time the courage to allow yourself to be criticised?” he asked. “If you criticise others, then they can criticise you. And this is (the way for) a sincere dialogue among young people.”
Another panellist, Ms Nicole Law, asked the Pope how people can harness the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI), while managing the risk it poses to mutual understanding.

This is as AI has made it more difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood, noted the educator, who volunteers with the Archdiocesan Catholic Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
The pontiff urged young people to cultivate the skill of discernment, which involves being authentic and engaging others without masks or pretence.

A day earlier, the Pope had acknowledged the promise of AI but cautioned against forgetting to cultivate real and concrete human relationships.
Technology should be used to promote understanding and solidarity, and never to isolate people in a “dangerously false and intangible reality”, he said at his state address at the National University of Singapore’s University Cultural Centre.
At the dialogue, he noted that technology and social media use have facilitated communication for many, especially the young.
“But on the other hand, a young person who lives only for social media is basically a slave to this means of communication,” he said. “What type of young person is that? A person who is scattered.”
The Pope said he was struck by the ability of Singapore’s youth to engage in inter-religious dialogue, which he is a proponent of as every religion is a way to arrive at God.
“Youth is really the time of courage in our lives. You can use this courage for things that really don’t help you, or you can use that courage to move forward and to engage in dialogue,” he said.

Pope Francis taking his leave of Catholic Junior College on Sept 13. PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
The dialogue of young people also sparks discussions between citizens and members of the broader community, he added.
Speaking before the Pope, Mr Tong said religious harmony sets a foundation for a cohesive Singapore, which is why the Government has put in place laws, policies and structures that foster such harmony and gather strength in diversity.
The authorities also work closely with religious and community leaders to build trust in peacetime, and even more so during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic and terror attacks, he added.
Those in the audience who spoke to The Straits Times said they were struck by how the Pope, the face of one of the world’s largest faiths, was so open to other religions.
“It taught me that although you can be strict in your own religion, you can still learn to respect others even if they don’t have the same belief,” said Kayla Wong, a second-year student at CJC.

The pontiff is presented with a garland of orchids upon arrival at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
The 18-year-old, who is not religious, said going to CJC from a neighbourhood secondary school was a “culture shock” at first, but she grew comfortable over time practising some Catholic rituals.
“My Catholic friends don’t expect me to follow their religion, they just want me to see the beauty of their prayers, and sometimes I pray with them,” she said.
Aerospace avionics student Muhammad Danish Iylia, 17, said the pontiff’s message for the different races and religions to live harmoniously resonated with him.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by my own race, but I made friends of other races too in secondary school,” said the first-year student at Institute of Technical Education Central, who is Muslim.
In his conclusion, Pope Francis urged Singaporeans to pass on this practice of interfaith dialogue to future generations, and urged the youth to forge their own way forward. “I’m very happy to be here to meet young people, and I just want to say that you’re very courageous,” he said.
“And for all the young people here, move forward, do not go back. Take risks.”

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Pope Francis posing for a picture with Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and inter-religious leaders at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13, 2024, the final day of his state visit to Singapore. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Pope Francis attending an interfaith dialogue held at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13, 2024. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

The audience greeting Pope Francis at an interfaith dialogue held at the Catholic Junior College auditorium on Sept 13, 2024. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

 

[rushifa666]

Pro vax Francis is going to lead all Christians right to the gates of hell

 

[Loofydralb]

Pope Francis posing for a picture with Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and inter-religious leaders at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13, 2024, the final day of his state visit to Singapore. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Pope Francis attending an interfaith dialogue held at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13, 2024. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

The audience greeting Pope Francis at an interfaith dialogue held at the Catholic Junior College auditorium on Sept 13, 2024. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

Who is that minah porporting to represent Islam?
May Allah laknat her. Doesn't she knows the last verse in Surah KAAFIRoon?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Interfaith blood donation drive seeks to build social cohesion among young donors​

The 2024 Interfaith Blood Donation Drive drew around 200 donors. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Zaihan Mohamed Yusof, Senior Correspondent

Oct 30, 2024

SINGAPORE – What started in 2016 as an idea to build social cohesion in multicultural and multi-religious Singapore continues to draw “new blood” from those looking to do their bit for the community.
At the sixth Interfaith Blood Donation Drive held at the Heart of God Church in Eunos on Oct 30, most donors were young people, including 16-year-old Clare Leung, the youngest donor.
Clare, a member of the non-denominational church, said: “This is my first time giving blood and volunteering at an interfaith event. It’s pretty interesting to do this with people from different religions. We’re all coming together to save lives and do something good for our community.”
The Secondary 4 student from Anderson Secondary School also met Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, who presented her with a gift pack.
The 2024 blood donation drive drew around 200 donors.
Co-organised by Heart of God Church, Khalid Mosque, Geylang United Temple and Chan Khoo Kong Huay clan association, the interfaith event aims to not only save lives but also to build social cohesion.
It was also supported by the Racial and Religious Harmony Circle, Singapore Red Cross and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre.

Since the blood donation drive began in 2017, it has collected 250 litres of blood from 840 donors, potentially saving more than 1,600 lives.
Organisers alternate locations between the church and mosque, encouraging youth to visit each other’s places of worship and fostering an understanding of different religions.
Mr Shanmugam said the event shows Singaporeans can “work together, donate blood together, bring our congregations together”.

The minister, who also attended a closed-door dialogue with young people at the event, noted: “It shows that, you know, we are Singapore, we are different, and we can help each other, and we can look beyond race and religion.
“It builds a very strong bond. And I think it sends a very powerful signal when you have these different religious organisations coming together.”
The minister acknowledged the efforts of two men – Mr Alex Low, 22, from Heart of God Church, and Mr Imran Abdul Haqiim, 34, from Khalid Mosque – for organising the drive.
The atmosphere at the event on Oct 30 was vibrant and lively, more like a carnival than a blood donation drive.
Outside the blood donation hall, youth enjoyed satay, finger food and ice cream, while others played arcade basketball and other games.
Despite tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and even in Singapore, where a self-radicalised 17-year-old was arrested in August for planning a terror attack in Tampines, senior religious leaders at the event expressed optimism that society’s cohesiveness will prevail through such efforts to promote understanding.

Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam speaking to Clare Leung, 16, the youngest donor at the Interfaith Blood Donation Drive. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Senior Pastor Garrett Lee from Heart of God Church said: “When you donate blood next to someone, you realise – whether Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Christian – we all bleed red.
“We want young people to see what unites us. A cohesive society isn’t by chance; it happens when we build bridges to understand one another. That understanding grounds us to be resilient against harmful ideologies.”
The group, through its initiative Interfaith.sg, has been building bridges for the last decade, said Khalid Mosque chairman Alla’udin Mohamed.
Mr Alla’udin told The Straits Times: “I am so proud of the Singaporeans from the other races and communities (for coming together) because at this moment, as you know, in the world, Islamophobia is there.”
He said the interfaith event hopes to build understanding, appreciation and tolerance for others.
Mr Alla’udin added: “When the youth (here) play games together and take part in the dialogue, these are all ice and wall breakers. So we are breaking walls to build a community.”
Other past Interfaith.sg events include food distribution, fund-raising event Charity Briyani, sports competitions and a tutoring programme for students in lower-income families who are preparing for examinations.

 

[rushifa666]

If black mamba is there all are going to hell

 

[k1976]

Then these Islamic imam, Hindu priest, Christian pastor, and Catholic priest come and cause blasphemy to the god of the family.

Inter-faith prayer session held near canal where two boys were found dead​

A monk conducts prayers at the canal where the bodies were found on Jan 23, 2022. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

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Hindu priests conduct prayers at the canal where the bodies were found on Jan 23, 2022. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

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Prayers being conducted at the canal where the bodies were found on Jan 23, 2022. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Samuel Devaraj

Jan 23, 2022

SINGAPORE - An inter-faith prayer session was held near a canal along Greenridge Crescent on Sunday morning (Jan 23), where two 11-year-old boys were found dead.
Representatives from six religious organisations - including Imam Mohd Idris from Al-Huda Mosque, Venerable Rui Zhen from Beeh Low See Temple and Father Francis Lim from the Church of St Ignatius - prayed near the large canal in Upper Bukit Timah where the bodies were found on Friday night.
About 20 residents and Ms Sim Ann, an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, were also present.
During the opening of the session, she said: "Even if we do not know them personally, their untimely demise is heartbreaking, especially to those of us who are parents ourselves. It is an unthinkable loss.
"This is why, after consulting neighbourhood volunteers, we have decided to organise an inter-faith prayer session here - so that we may each, in our own way, wish peace upon the souls of the departed."
The father of the boys was arrested late on Saturday for his suspected involvement in their deaths.
He will be charged with murder on Monday.

Ms Sim told The Straits Times that following the incident, the constituency team has been looking at details of residents who have approached them for help to see if any household fits the description of what has been reported so far about the family.
The search has turned up nothing so far.

Residents at the playground in Greenridge Crescent on Jan 23, 2021.
She added that she had spoken to a few of the residents who attended the session.
"Our residents have felt immense shock and also grief at this case, especially as more details emerge.
"They also highlighted to me that they always feel safe living in this neighbourhood," she said, adding that some had asked whether the perception of the safety of the neighbourhood would be coloured by the tragedy.
"I assured the residents I would take up this issue with the police after the case has concluded."
Retiree Lee Kia Jian, 76, was one of the residents who turned up on Sunday morning.
He said: "I was very shocked when I learnt this happened in my neighbourhood.
"I came down to put a flower near the site and pay my respects."

All SAF camps have undergo 九大宗教开光before declare fully operational

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Long-serving imam recognised at National Awards Investiture for strengthening interfaith harmony​

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presenting the Distinguished Service Order to Imam Syed Hassan Mohammad Al-Attas on Nov 3. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Lee Nian Tjoe

Nov 04, 2024

Imam Syed Hassan Mohammad Al-Attas was lauded for his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony and social cohesion on Nov 3, receiving a top national award in a ceremony held at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio.
Also known as Habib Hassan, he was one of six Singaporeans who were presented with the Distinguished Service Order by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Awards Investiture.
This is one of the top honours in the National Awards.
Habib Hassan is one of the longest-serving imams and head of the Ba’alwie Mosque in Bukit Timah. He has led initiatives to raise awareness and appreciation of Singapore’s multicultural harmony and strengthened cohesion among communities. As head of the mosque, he has hosted learning journeys for local and international visitors at its interfaith museum.
In a Facebook post, President Tharman said Habib Hassan grew up with Catholics and Hindus as neighbours, and has made it his mission to build mutual understanding among all Singaporeans. “One of the longest-serving imams in Singapore, Habib Hassan has been a pillar of strength in Singapore’s inter-religious community,” he said.
The other recipients of the Distinguished Service Order award were Ms Jennie Chua, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, Mr Peter Ong, Mr Phillip Tan and Mr Teo Ming Kian.
This year’s highest award, the Order of Nila Utama (with High Distinction) was given to Mr Peter Ho for his contributions to Singapore for over 50 years.

During his career, the retired top civil servant served as the permanent secretary of both the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was head of the civil service.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

This is just an isolated stabbing incident.
Not a war against religion.
Let that one church deal with it.
No need for all the religious groups to be instructed to issue a statement to condemn the attack.

Religious groups condemn attack on priest, say no tolerance for violence in places of worship​

Police cordoning off the entrance of St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah after a stabbing incident on Nov 9. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Ian Cheng
Correspondent

Nov 10, 2024


SINGAPORE - The leaders of the major religious groups in Singapore condemned the Nov 9 attack on the parish priest of St Joseph’s Church, and said acts of violence in a place of worship cannot be tolerated.
The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), which represents 10 faiths – the Baha’i faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism – said it is praying for Rev Christopher Lee’s recovery.
It added that it stands in solidarity with the Catholic community affected by this act of violence in their place of worship, and hopes the children who were there heal from this traumatic incident.
“We condemn this individual’s violent act within a sacred space where individuals were gathered in religious service,” it said in a statement on Nov 9.
The IRO added that it was grateful for the agencies that are working to protect the community, and urged members of the public to show support for Catholics during this difficult time.
“These are times to demonstrate interfaith compassion and social cohesion, as we have always done in Singapore. Let us remain calm and united in love and solidarity.”
The Sikh Advisory Board said it was “saddened and shocked” to hear of the attack.

It said: “We stand together with our brothers and sisters of the Catholic faith during this trying time.
“Our prayers go out to Father Christopher, his family and loved ones, and the parishioners of St Joseph’s Church for his well-being and to give everyone the strength to deal with this painful and unfortunate incident.”
It added that places of worship are sacred spaces and any violent acts in such spaces cannot be tolerated, just as such acts are not tolerated in the rest of Singapore.
“We hope everyone will also remain calm and not speculate at this point as investigations are ongoing,” it added.

The Buddhist community was shocked to learn of the unprovoked attack, said the Singapore Buddhist Federation. It added that the attack was “appallingly heinous”.
“The Buddhist community would like to join all sisters and brothers of all faiths to pray for the speedy recovery of Father Christopher Lee,” it added. It also urged Singaporeans to refrain from speculating or spreading rumours to safeguard the country’s religious harmony.




Taoist group Quan Zhen Cultural Society, in a statement on Facebook, said it stands in solidarity with members of the Catholic Church. It, too, strongly condemned any form of violence in places of worship.
“Such spaces must be kept sacred and safe for all,” it said.
The Alliance of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of Singapore – a network of churches, Christian organisations and pastors – said it was relieved that the assailant had been apprehended, and that it stands with the Catholic Church in condemning all forms of violence.
“We pray for the swift recovery of Father Christopher Lee,” it said.