Tzu Chi Foundation and Partnering To Serve Humanity concludes the eighth Interfaith Dialogue in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Negus/Negas Complex, Regent Road, Grafton, Freetown.
This year’s theme, “Spiritual Growth, Compassion, and Peace Building,” emphasized the shared responsibility of religious groups to promote love and compassion.
The Interfaith Dialogue was established in 2017 by the Tzu Chi Foundation in collaboration with the Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, which includes the Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation, and Caritas Freetown.
The Interfaith Dialogue aims to foster peace and national cohesion through religious dialogue in Sierra Leone.
The 8th Interfaith Dialogue gathering brought together representatives from various religious denominations, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Rastafarians, and Orthodox faiths.
In attendance were the Archbishop Dr. Edward Tamba Charles of the Archdiocese of Freetown; Sheik Abubakarr Fomba-Swarray of the Sierra Leone Muslim Missionary Union; Rev. Jesse Fornah, representative of the Inter-Religious Council Sierra Leone, Ras Tamba Fabanda Fabundeh Senesie, High Priest of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rastafarian Movement; and the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji Kella.
The event highlighted the significant role of interfaith dialogue in fostering peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone, a nation globally recognized for its religious tolerance.
Statements from various religious groups, including the SGI Buddhist Group and the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rastafarian Movement, underscored the importance of maintaining harmony among religious communities.
For the past seven years, the Tzu Chi Foundation has been a driving force behind these dialogues.
As part of the initiative, this year, 3,050 vulnerable individuals received 30 kilograms of rice each – benefiting the old, young, and handicap.
Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager of Caritas Freetown, reflected on the evolution of the initiative.
“Interfaith dialogue plays a crucial role in developing and strengthening societies across the world,” said Ishmeal.
“All religions teach us to show love to those in need, and today’s dialogue focuses on spiritual growth, compassion, and peace building,” he ended.
Since its inception eight years ago with just four religious leaders, the Interfaith Dialogue has grown into an annual tradition, uniting various religious groups.
Archbishop Dr. Edward Tamba Charles expressed gratitude for the initiative, thanking the Tzu Chi Foundation for its ongoing support. He encouraged beneficiaries to extend the spirit of compassion to others.
“This act of kindness emphasizes the love of God and neighbor. As the Bible teaches in the parable of the Last Judgment, we will be judged by how we love our fellow man, especially those in need,” said Archbishop Dr. Edward Tamba Charles.
Hawa Kamara, one of the 3,000 beneficiaries, a widow, and a grandmother looking after her five grandchildren, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the rice she received amidst the deepening economic crisis.
“This support is a blessing during the festive season, especially when things are tough. It will sustain my family into the new year,” said Hawa.
Sheik Abubakarr Fomba-Swarray urged the audience to embody compassion: “The best individuals are those who touch the lives of others. Holiness without helping mankind cannot secure a place in God’s Kingdom. I promise to continue promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji Kella commended the initiative for addressing the needs of the vulnerable: “Eighty-two percent (82%) of our population faces vulnerability, including the disabled, elderly, and survivors of mudslides, COVID-19, and Ebola among others. Religious tolerance is a cornerstone of our society, and the government is committed to strengthening the Religious Tolerance Policy.”
A video statement by Dharma Master Chen Yen, founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation, and Po-Wen Yen, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to humanitarian work and environmental protection.
Reverend Father Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, concluded the event with words of appreciation for the Tzu Chi Foundation.
“This initiative highlights the vital role of religion in maintaining peace and tranquility. I admire Master Chen Yen, whose work mirrors the impact of Mother Teresa. I urge everyone to always strive for peaceful coexistence,” he said.
