For Immediate Release - 6 January 2009 | Peace is needed more than ever before
As we enter 2009, peace is needed on our planet more than ever before. Peace amongst nations of the world and between different cultures can only be achieved through empathy and justice. Affinity wishes that 2009 brings peace, serenity, harmony and joy to Australians and people all around the world.
Throughout 2008, Affinity has worked vigorously to strengthen the bonds of friendship between people belonging to different cultures and faiths. Our prime objective in facilitating social interactions and dialogue activities was to enhance social cohesion and harmony in Australia. The financial crises towards the end of 2008, bombings in India and the humanitarian drama and the tragic developments in the Middle East has deeply affected and saddened everyone with a conscience. The lives of all human beings are equally important, noble and precious no matter which race, culture or religion they belong to, therefore no excuse or argument can justify ending of human lives.
Respecting human life is respecting God. Religion, ideologies or any political or religious systems cannot be used to validate in taking lives of human beings. It is an act of injustice and tyranny to punish the family members of a criminal for the crimes they have not committed. By the same token, it is unjust to punish a race, culture or religion for the crimes that have been committed by a small, ignorant minority of its members.
Humanity has suffered enough at the hands of wars, genocides, racial, religious and ideological conflicts. Fighting evil and challenging injustice starts within our own mind and soul. It is about time we start questioning ourselves: What has been taught to us? What the media has led us to believe? How true is what I am being told? Am I being pushed into senseless phobias? Are my phobias pushing me into unjust behaviour? How much empathy do I have towards my fellow human beings? As a human being, what are my responsibilities towards other human beings? What role do I have in bringing peace to the world?
It is imperative that the dialogue between religions and cultures move into a new phase where cultures and faiths work cooperatively and produce long-lasting projects in partnership. We must establish mutual platforms to fight famine, poverty, injustice, ignorance and vilification. Hatred between cultures should transform into understanding and empathy. In order to achieve this we need to give great importance to social and humanitarian projects.
Once Again, we would like to wish 2009 brings peace, tranquillity, prosperity and joy to the people of all cultures, faiths and traditions in Australia and the world.
The Affinity Intercultural Foundation is a non-profit community based organisation that is committed to bringing together people of different backgrounds to help improve understanding and respect and to build greater community harmony. Affinity has been involved in many bridge building activities that help to overcome ignorance and prejudice since 2000.
For more information: Phone: 02-9702 0789 | email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| website: www.affinity.org.au
