Muslims visit church and temples to show solidarity
PETALING JAYA: In the true spirit of solidarity, a Muslim group visited a church, a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple.
The Global Unity Network NGO wanted to prove a point following the Easter Sunday suicide bombings in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, which killed about 250 people and wounded scores more.
Its president Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji said a team of 22 members visited the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kg Kasipillay and then went to St Joseph’s Church in Sentul before wrapping up at the Sri Jayanti Buddhist Temple there.
“In Christchurch, when Muslims were killed, non-Muslims showed their solidarity with us.
“Following the Colombo incident, when Christians were killed, we as Muslims must also show solidarity with all.
“It doesn’t mean that only we show compassion and solidarity when Muslims are killed.
“Even if only one non-Muslim is killed, we must show concern. We must be fair to everyone,” Shah Kirit said.
At St Joseph’s Church, the team held a dialogue session with parish priest Rev George Packiasamy.
“We have a very good relationship with the church,” Shah Kirit said, adding that this was his fourth visit to the church.
He said the team, which comprised students and professionals, were served a halal breakfast at the church and lunch at the Buddhist temple.
He added that the NGO had been involved in interfaith work for close to 20 years as a way to expose Muslims to other religions.
“Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, so it is very important that we understand one another well,” he said.
Shah Kirit said many problems in the world today stemmed from prejudice, presumptions and misconceptions about other religions and races.
“The best way to remove all these is to learn from one another.
“That is why we train Muslims to learn about other religions,” he added.