Recurring violence in parts of the country result mostly from wrongful interpretation of religious doctrines by clerics and spiritual leaders, participants at an international conference in Abuja have said.
They sought positive scientific knowledge and ideas to prevent the growing ignorance and superstition among Nigerians, saying this is responsible for frequent inter-religious conflicts and violence.
Stressing the importance of education for societal peace, the forum noted that it serves as a means of fostering understanding and cooperation for peaceful coexistence in any society.
These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day conference held in Abuja with the theme: Establishing a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding: Exploring the Fethullah Gulen’s thought and action.
The conference, which witnessed 22 presentations, drew speakers from Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. It had over 1,250 registered participants from about 10 other African countries representing public and private organisations and religious institutions.
It was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), six federal universities, in conjunction with UFUK Dialogue Foundation and the Fountain Magazine.
The conference noted that religious precepts are not sources of conflicts within communities but that conflicts result from “incontextual interpretations of religious precepts, misunderstanding of religious doctrines and/or manipulation of religious principles”.
Urging religious leaders to live above board, participants resolved that dialogue should be made an integral part of community process, especially in multi-cultural and multi-religious societies.
It recommended that the countries should work at ensuring greater access to educational opportunities by all segments of the society.
“Religious thinking and positive sciences are two aspects of the same truth. It is essential to reach a harmonious understanding of the two. An education based on this principle of harmony of religion and science does not adopt proselytisation as a paradigm of teaching. Hence, popularisation of science is important in doing away with ignorance, superstition and obscurantism,” the forum said.
Stressing the importance of the media in fostering mutual understanding in multi-cultural and multi-religious societies, participants recommended the organisation of conferences stimulating dialogue between cultures at all levels of government.
Published on The Nation, 01 December 2011, Thursday
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