MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — The Chairman of Muhammadiyah Syafiq Mughni emphasized the importance of Pope Francis’s visit as a pivotal moment to foster mutual trust among different religious communities. This trust, Syafiq Mughni believes, is a vital foundation for achieving global peace.
Syafiq highlighted the need for a shared understanding among religious communities. He acknowledged the unfortunate reality of distrust and suspicion that often exists between different groups.
“We can’t ignore the tensions that exist in many parts of the world, and even within our own country,” said Syafiq in an online seminar on Tuesday (July 23).
This shared understanding, Syafiq argued, should extend beyond purely religious matters. It should encompass global issues like politics, economics, social justice, and cultural exchange.
“I believe that this perspective needs to be broadly integrated into religious life. Imagine the impact if religious communities consistently spoke positively of each other. For instance, it will be very effective if we speak positively about the Catholic people, and similarly they speak positively about Muslims. This positive reinforcement could be a powerful force in fostering a more cohesive society,” said Syafiq.
According to Syafiq, religious groups need to develop a unified perspective on the challenges facing the world, both domestically and internationally. Recognizing disparities between rich and poor nations, along with social injustices, is crucial.
“The Pope’s visit presents an opportunity to build a shared understanding of these pressing issues that require a united front from all faiths,” said Syafiq.
Syafiq further points to the success of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi, as an example of how interfaith dialogue can ease international tensions. He also highlighted Muhammadiyah commitment to interfaith relations, citing its universities in eastern Indonesia where a majority of the student body comes from non-Muslim backgrounds.
“This is a concrete example of how we can move beyond rhetoric and build bridges of understanding in real life,” said Syafiq.
