Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (Coimbatore) and Islamic Studies Association (Delhi) jointly organized two one-day seminars on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” at Ooty (26 May 2023) and Coimbatore (27 May 2023). At the seminar the participants discussed the salient features of the declaration ‘Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’ – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb.

The participants found the document inviting “all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together so that it may serve as a guide for future generations to advance a culture of mutual respect in the awareness of the great divine grace that makes all human beings brothers and sisters.”

The participants, who came from different walks of life that included children and transgender persons, discussed social interventions for a social order worthy of humanity. They felt that the document is truly a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity. They resolved to take inspiration and renew their commitment to stand together as one human family. They established Human Fraternity Forum to put into action the key teachings of the document.

Joseph Victor Edwin, SJ