Faith sector must speak truth to power

RELIGIONS have generally been associated with the ideals of peace, tolerance, non-violence, fairness, equality and justice. South Africa is a multicultural and multireligious society known for interfaith harmony and tolerance.

- PROFESSOR BRIJ MAHARAJ

In 1993, the Assembly of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, recognising that “every human being must be treated humanely”, committed itself to a culture of “non-violence and respect for life; solidarity and a just economic order; equal rights and partnership between men and women; tolerance and a life of truthfulness”.

These principles are embodied in the South African Constitution, which is committed to non-racism and states that “everyone has the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion”.

There is a close association between religion, ethics and morality. The faith sector is widely believed to be the custodian of ethics, morality and integrity. A common thread in Hindu scriptures (and indeed, in all faiths) is the call to fight for justice and righteousness, and corruption deviates from this path: Om asato ma satgamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir-gamaya (O Lord Lead us from Untruth to Truth, From Darkness to Light).

This mantra (sacred chant) from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Liii.28 encompasses the essence of the Hindu view towards corruption. Hindu scriptures explicitly condemn corruption and promote truthfulness.

Hindu scriptures declare: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) (Mundaka Upanishad, 3.1.6).

Religion promotes fundamental values of sharing and caring to uplift the poor and disadvantaged in a severely fractured society.

As emphasised by Professor Anant Rambachan from the USA: “If the formation of an inclusive community of love, justice and the overcoming of suffering is the ultimate purpose of the divine in the world, we become partners with God when we engage in work to overcome suffering rooted in poverty, illiteracy, disease, hate and violence. We become God's hands and feet when we work positively to build inclusive communities of love, justice and peace, where the dignity and equal worth of every human being is affirmed.”