WASHINGTON DC: Is there a theological or moral justification for war? Can we ever achieve total peace? What are the historical and scriptural backgrounds of diverse traditions’ response to war? These were but a few of the questions addressed by persons from the Islamic Jewish Mormon Protestant Roman Catholic and Sikh faith communities at the Inter faith conference IFC seventh annual Public Dialogue held recently at Howard University School of Divinity in Washington D.C.

 The day began with a welcome from Howard University school of Divinity professor Dr. Ferry. Rabbi Baker opened the dialogue with a prayer and introduced the keynote speaker Reviews Anthony pastor of Ame Zion Church. In his address Rev. Anthony pointed out that perhaps the greatest war in the religious community is about whether wars should be fought at all. He challenged the audience of over 100 people to recognize the idea that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is morally correct. For example at one time slavery was legal. His perception is that the role of the religious Community is that of superintendents of moral values who examine the moral questions involved in an issue and raise questions and challenge authority when necessary.

Rev. Anthony supports the pacifist viewpoint personally and believes the war is not justifiable it is expedient. He challenges the religions community to assume four preventive measures against war; (1) Conversion (2) Compassion (3) Confrontation and (4) Commitment.

After Rev. Anthony’s speech the participants moved into small group discussions in which Sikhs along with other faith community leaders participated. Each group led by a facilitator discussed one of five sub topics: Holy War Just War Pacific in Peace Through Strength or War as Fulfillment of Prophecy.

Panelists from each faith communities addressed the question about the ways in which each of their respective tradition approaches the moral issues surrounding war. Dr Gurpal Singh Bhullar an Orthopedic Surgeon and Director of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) represented the Sikh faith. During his comments he traced the Sikh viewpoint through its historical development. He presented the ideals of Guru Tegh Bahadur: (Bhae Kahu Ko Det Neh) Fear none frighten none He said a Sikh recognizes the presence of same light in all and is friend of every one. But al the same time Sikh Gurus have instructed us to stand by the oppressed. He quoted Guru Granth Sahib saying Sura So Pehchaniye The brave Warrior is he who struggles on the side of the poor & oppressed. He also stressed the need for peaceful means as sectioned by the Sikh philosophy. The example of Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur both Sikh Gurus gave their life peaceful for cause of justice and religious tolerance. But Guru Gobind Singh the last Guru has also taught that when all peaceful means fail against tyranny it is justified to launch an active resistance. Just because the option of active resistance is given Sikhs cannot support ¢very war said Dr. Bhullar.

Each panelist answered the question through their own tradition what would be your reaction if your grandmother is being raped?

Dr.Rajwant Singh member of the Dialogue Planning Committee of IFC said that Sikh view on this whole issue is that one can only work with ideals when people are allowed to live freely with their ideals in a conflict if both groups have equal power then the conflict to oppose what is judged to be wrong is just. War may be necessary to help oppressed people to have hope but there must be ethics and rules during war. One group to exercise power without compassion is absolutely inacceptable. We learn from our tradition to endure even while being oppressed and to pray for those who oppress us. Resources were available to provide participants with further information regarding historic and current views on war and peace from various faith tradition

Obviously no faith has the only answer to the questions that were raised during the dialogue. however as IFC assembly member Imam Faizul Khan reminds us Interfaith dialogue is the silver lining amidst the clouds of war. The dialogue was not aimed at forming consensus but understanding.

GGSF is a member organization of IFC representing the Sikh faith The Interfaith Conference brings together the Islamic Jewish Mormon Protestant Roman Catholic and Sikh faith communities and their leaders for dialogue and united work on human dignity issues facing the society. Rajwant Singh.

Article extracted from this publication >> August 9, 1991