2011-12-21 15:59:07

Poetry symposium promotes Muslim-Christian dialogue


(Dec. 21, 2011) In Pakistan, in preparation for Christmas, a poetry symposium to mark the ‘Birth of the Prince of Peace’ was held last Saturday at the Catholic Bishop’s House in Faisalabad. Organised by Diocesan Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue, the event was meant to spread a message of peace through poetry, and strengthen the relationship between different communities. Some 125 people, including prominent local poets, priests, nuns, catechists, students, intellectuals and poetry lovers from different communities took part in the event. Renowned poet Arshad Javed chaired the event. As the chief guest, Fr Khalid Rasheed Asi recited some poems. The poetry reading was preceded by the lightening of a candle as a symbol of peace, and the cutting of a Christmas cake by Bishop Joseph Coutts accompanied by Muslim and Christian poets. Poems and odes inspired by the themes of peace, harmony, humanity, equality and forgiveness were recited by the poets in Urdu, Punjabi and Saraiki.
Arshad Javed, a renowned Pakistani poet, noted that people from different communities must meet on a more regular basis, and not only at religious festivals, to build a “culture of peace, respect and understanding”. “Poets and writers are the envoys of peace because they can propose peaceful remedies for the violent conflicts that stir society”, said Fr Khalid Rasheed Asi, vicar general of Faisalabad. Concluding the event, Fr Aftab James Paul, director of the diocesan commission, said that poetry is the best way to spread peace because “it has no boundaries”.








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