Jain Spirit 2002 10 No 12

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 52

INTERFAITH
SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND
H.R.H. Prince Charles launches a new “respect campaign for
inter-faith harmony where Jains are also playing a key role
respect go
Fit's about time
espect
SMALL GROUP OF US WANTED TO FIND A SIMPLE AND inexpensive way to celebrate the Millennium in a
form which had a strong spiritual component; an idea which would have resonance and purpose with people of faith; an idea which could perhaps change attitudes. Something to encourage tolerance, respect and understanding.
Faith communities can contribute meaningfully, joyfully and, above all, in a practical way to the celebrations of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, with its timeless themes of service and community. It is our chance to thank The Queen for 50 years of unstinting service; to look forward and learn to do some things better than we do them now. Over the past seven months, everyone has laboured hard to find a way to make the idea work in practice. There have been many meetings between people of different faiths. The simple idea to make a gift of time to someone of another faith, to share and learn together, to enjoy the company of people of a different culture, faith and experience has been welcomed, even applauded. Every faith is now involved and most are represented here today. With the help of TimeBank, we have successfully found a way to put that simple idea into practice. The BBC has also committed itself to supporting our plan as key partners along with the Home Office, which is helping to provide a substantial part of our modest budget. I am most grateful to the Home Secretary for his support.
As so often happens, a name was needed...! Everyone seems to have settled on 'Respect' (was the eponymous Ali "G' on the committee I ask myself?!...). But perhaps *Respect' sums up succinctly and clearly what the relationship between different faiths should be all about.
Over the past year, we have seen internationally, nationally and locally all too many examples of intolerance to others. Tolerance is an easy word to pronounce, but it
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Jain Spirit . September - November 2002
in Education Interational 2010_03