Dates of Interest
Address to the Peace for Humanity Conference
Published date: 4th October 2011
It is an honour to address the Peace for Humanity Conference and to congratulate you on behalf of the Church of England of the Anglican Communion and other Christian denominations.
As the Bishop of Barking in East London I have responsibility for the churches in Forest Gate where Minhaj-ul-Quran International has its headquarters.
I am a founder member of ‘Faithful Friends’ – a Christian community interfaith project in Forest Gate of which Minhaj-ul-Quran is a partner.
I applaud the aim and emphasis of Minhaj-ul-Quran and Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qudir to promote peace as a core value and message the Quran and of Islam.
I stand with you in your rejection of violent extremism of all kinds.
I congratulate you in your efforts to teach and promote peaceful, moral and moderate Islam among young people growing up in our complex society.
Christianity as well as Islam has been guilty of using violent extremism to promote our religions. This behaviour has no place in Islam or Christianity.
The Bible describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace. Jesus himself said: ‘Blessed are the peace makers, they will be called sons and daughters of God’ (Matt.5:9) The New testament describes Jesus as the one who guides our feet into the path of peace (Luke1:79). Jesus said to his disciples ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you’ John 14:27.
Jesus demonstrated his teaching on non-violence and an absence of retaliation when he was arrested, tried and crucified. In so doing he unleashed God’s power of forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and salvation to the whole world.
May we follow Jesus the Prince of peace and become more effective peace makers in Israel and Palestine, the Middle East, East London or in whatever community you come from today.
Followed by a Christian Prayer
Rt Revd David Hawkins
Bishop of Barking
To view The London Declaration for Global Peace and Resistance against Extremism 2011, click here.
