Singapore Celebrates Vesak 2551, Project Million Lotus 2007 – Harmony in Action
26日
05月,
2007年
Synopsis :
DPM Wong has urged Singaporeans not to be drawn into conflicts between followers of different faiths overseas, and not to bring such tensions into our society. He lauded that openness towards inter-faith cooperation will help build networks of trust. DPM Wong also observed that the religious, ethnic and community leaders play the important role of setting the tone and direction for different groups to interact with each other, and provide critical leadership in crises.
OPENING ADDRESS BY MR WONG KAN SENG, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ‘SINGAPORE CELEBRATES VESAK 2551, PROJECT MILLION LOTUS 2007 – HARMONY IN ACTION’ ON SATURDAY, 26 MAY 2007 @ NGEE ANN CITY CIVIC PLAZA, AT 10.30 AM
广声大和尚, 新加坡佛教总会会长 (Venerable Kwang Sheng, President, Singapore Buddhist Federation)
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
2 I am pleased to join you today for the Vesak Day celebrations.
Racial and religious harmony cannot be taken for granted
3 As Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day and spread the message of peace and goodwill, they should also be mindful of the challenges in the world. In many countries today, we see tensions and conflicts between believers of different faiths, or even between different religious sects.
4 Racial and religious harmony do not come about spontaneously and naturally. It certainly cannot be taken for granted. In today’s globalised and inter-dependent world, it is not possible to insulate ourselves totally from events in other parts of the world. Conflicts between followers of different faiths, even if it occurs outside Singapore, can have serious repercussions on our society and our communal relations. As Singaporeans, we need to see these events in perspective and not be drawn into them. Even more importantly, we should not bring these tensions into our society and create a wedge among our communities.
5 We are fortunate that our religious and community leaders have reacted rationally to these issues. We must build on this strong foundation of mutual trust and respect, and ensure that our harmonious society is strong enough to withstand any future stress on communal relations. To do this, we must build and deepen personal bonds with one another so that we do not see one another as distant strangers, but as friends, neighbours and compatriots.
Coming together to strengthen inter-faith bonds
6 So I am glad to see that the Buddhist Federation has extended the Vesak Day celebrations to include Singaporeans from the various faiths. Such openness towards inter-faith co-operation and understanding will help us build networks of trust that can withstand the trials and tribulations of crises. This trust is important in multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore, if we want to stay united and progress together.
Religious, ethnic and community leaders play an important role
7 Our religious, ethnic and community leaders play an important role in promoting racial and religious harmony. They set the tone and direction for the different groups to interact with one another. They also provide critical leadership during crises.
8 Under the Community Engagement Programme, the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony offers a national platform for religious leaders and religious institutions to dialogue and network. The Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (or IRCC) have also been re-positioned as constituency-level platforms to strengthen engagement between religious leaders and community leaders at the local level. Through these mechanisms, we hope to facilitate more opportunities for inter-faith collaboration and understanding. I urge all religious leaders to take an active role in promoting inter-faith engagement, and Singaporeans of all faiths to take part in these activities.
Make inter-faith and inter-racial understanding a personal commitment
9 Maintaining and enhancing racial and religious harmony is not solely the responsibility of religious and community leaders. Every individual has a role to play. Tolerance is essential, but it is not enough. We are thankful that Singaporeans understand and support the need for inter-faith interaction. We need to deepen our understanding of the beliefs and cultures of the various ethnic and religious groups in Singapore. We should make this a personal commitment.
10 Over the next two days, there are various programmes and activities, such as an inter-faith exhibition. The interfaith exhibition organised by the Singapore Buddhist Federation is a positive example of multi-lateral religious collaboration, which will create opportunities for people to learn more about one another’s beliefs and traditions. Let us pledge to continue to do our part to deepen inter-racial and inter-religious understanding and appreciation, so that Singapore will remain a peaceful and harmonious society, for many years and many generations to come.
11 This Vesak Day, I wish everyone peace and harmony.
