Source: Claire Fuller, Press Secretary of Global Minorities Alliance
London: A Scottish human rights organisation, Global Minorities Alliance, has applauded the Ahmadiyya community UK for promoting peace, tolerance and understanding by holding a Conference of World Religions on the 11th of February in Guildhall, London, United Kingdom.
The conference was part of celebrating the centenary of the Ahmadiyya community in the UK. The first Ahmadiyya mosque was opened in 1913 in London. It has now 100 branches across the UK
The theme of the conference was “God in the 21st Century” and it was also a call on the world of religions to unite behind the shared goal of social and international peace through dialogue and understanding among people around the world.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad while addressing the conference
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was the keynote speaker at the conference.
The conference was well attended by wide range of people from all walks of life including secretaries of state, International faith communities, and representatives from the human rights organisations from the world over who spoke about the role and the relevance of God in Modern Life.
The speakers of the conference stressed the need of love in the world of the hatred, extremism and fundamentalism and called on the audience to go extra miles to bridge the gap between communities torn apart with conflict, terrorism, hatred and persecution.
Mr Umesh Chander Sharma, Chairman of the Hindu Council UK spoke about the message of Bhagvad Gita and its significance for the peaceful world.
The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, appreciated the Ahmadiyya community for organising the event and said; “I want to thank His Holiness and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community for the wonderful work that is being done to promote peace”. Mr Grieve also read the goodwill message of Prime Minister David Cameron.
Geshe Tashi Tsering, the representative of Tibetan Buddhist read the message of His Holiness Dalai Lama telling the audience that we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us.
In his message His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “I give my whole hearted support to the Conference of World Religions & the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for this wonderful initiative. We should also promote meetings of scholars to discuss what we have in common, rather than what differences we have.”
The Druze Community in the Israel was represented by the Spiritual Head of the community, Sheikh Moafaq Tarif, who said: “All heavenly religions agree on the unity of God Almighty and teach equality of man, brotherhood and Justice.”
Dr Katrina Lantos Swett, Vice-Chair United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (UCSIRF) said: “During the last century more people died at the hands of brutal political systems than by the religious fanatics.”
Dr Swett encouraged the work of the Ahmadiyya community: “We see you standing up against intolerance and injustice not just for your own community but wherever and whenever it is required.”
She further assured her support: “We stand against any person or Government , from Pakistan to Indonesia, who stands against your freedom of Religion.”
Baroness Berridge, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom mentioned Dr. Masood Ahmad, a victim of Pakistan’s discriminatory laws and commended the peace dialogue of Ahmadiyya community in the face of persecution.
Baroness Warsi appreciated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for their dedication, commitment and endeavours for social justice.
Archbishop Kevin McDonald of the Catholic Church read the message from the Vatican and shared the goodwill message with the audience.
Rabbi Professor Daniel Sperber, representing Chief Rabbi of Israel spoke to the conference who stressed on the interrelated commandments of “loving God” and “loving one’s neighbour” as a way of life to overcome evil.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has also sent her best wishes for the success of conference of the world religions.
The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya community His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad while addressing the conference said: “ Without God there can be no true peace. All religions have come from a Divine source and it is only by abiding by God’s commandments and by acting with love, justice and truth can man truly find peace. One must be at peace within oneself, with one’s fellow beings and with one’s creator; this is the path to peace.”
GMA’s Vice-Chairperson, Shahid Khan, and Director of Diplomatic Affairs, Rebecca Gebauer also attended the conference and met with His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
During the talk with His Holiness, Mr Khan appreciated the efforts of the entire Ahmadiyya Community to create an egalitarian, just and a cohesive society through many initiatives embarked upon by the community worldwide and promised to work together for the persecuted communities in the world.
About Global Minorities Alliance
Formed in 2012, the Global Minorities Alliance is a Glasgow-based human rights organisation, committed to raising the voice of minority communities around the world.
The Alliance works towards this commitment by campaigning for:
- Poverty alleviation
- Interfaith harmony
- Education
- Empowerment of women
- Reform of discriminatory laws
- Peaceful co-existence
As stated by the Alliance’s Vice-Chairperson, Shahid Khan, on the Global Minorities Alliance website www.globalminorities.co.uk:
“The absence of fairness, transparency, meritocracy and the rule of law in general in some countries leave minorities more vulnerable to abuse as the mighty and influential in these lawless lands take it as their birthright to mistreat minorities as they choose. In some parts of the world the integration of minorities into mainstream society is restricted by design due to the subjugation forced upon them.
“We call for an end to the systematic discrimination of minorities in any shape or form and urge the governments of such countries to push through reforms aimed at providing equal rights to the poor and the disadvantaged sections of their societies.
“No-one can choose where they are born or who they are born to. To be born into a minority community should not mean that you have to live a life where you suffer at the hands of your own countrymen.
“We say enough is enough and call upon the international community and like-minded organizations and individuals across the world to support us in our commitment to help the minority communities across the world.”
The writer of this press release is Claire Fuller, Press Secretary of Global Minorities Alliance. She can be reached at info@globalminorities.co.uk
Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Europe, Islam, UK