Easter an opportune time for religious leaders to preach peace

With Easter treats on supermarket shelves, we know that the Easter long weekend is in the air and on the skyline. For the first time after many years, different religious groups will celebrate or observe their religious traditions at the same time.

While the protection of citizens, rule of law and the prevention of war and crimes and atrocities against humanity is primarily the responsibility of governmental law enforcement structures and international bodies such as the United Nations, it requires a multidimensional effort by different societal leaders and institutions to play a part to prevent criminal behaviour and lawlessness.

Religious leaders, given their spiritual leadership and guidance, have a fundamental role to play to counter incitement to violence, hatred, hostility and human rights abuses against human beings, especially, minorities, that could lead to atrocity crimes. Religious leaders have a huge influence over their communities and the broader society. When clerics preach from their podiums, their voices are heard. Their messages have the power to stop extremism and fascism and build resilient communities that support each other.

Religious leaders should preach against discrimination based on religion, race, nationality, gender or language and preach universal messages of human rights and social justice.