New York, August 30: At the Universal Oneness event held at Madison Square Garden, religious leaders from 30 countries pledged to eliminate hate, protect marginalized communities, and ensure that artificial intelligence serves humanity. The event featured prominent figures, including Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alongside representatives from various major religions.
During the conference on Saturday, over 200 religious representatives collaborated to draft a call to action. The declaration stated, “We reject the use of religion to justify hate, disrespect, inhumane behavior, or violence, and we will teach that deep faith can coexist with respect for those who believe differently.”
The document acknowledged both the power of faith in promoting reconciliation and the historical misuse of religion to deepen divisions. It noted, “We recognize that faith has extraordinary power to heal, reconcile, and inspire. It is also a sad truth that religion has sometimes been used to divide, isolate, and justify violence.”
This declaration emerged in the context of armed conflicts, displacement, and growing distrust among societies. It warned that hate is rapidly spreading across borders through digital platforms. The statement emphasized, “No government, institution, or technology can bear this responsibility alone. Religious leaders cannot do it alone either, but it is a responsibility that is particularly ours.”
The leaders acknowledged the dignity of every individual and rejected the notion that unity requires people to abandon their personal beliefs or identities. The declaration asserted, “Unity does not require uniformity. Deep faith does not necessitate hatred towards others.”
Religious leaders also committed to reviewing their communities’ teachings and practices, raising their voices against targeted attacks, and building relationships across religious and cultural boundaries. It stated, “The beginning of peace requires the courage to hold our own communities accountable.”
They pledged to bring together youth from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds before conflicts or tragedies occur. The declaration remarked, “It is difficult to hate what we know.”
It called for joint service to those facing hunger, illness, displacement, and oppression. The declaration emphasized that collaboration should be evident not just in public statements but also in actions. It further stated, “Our cooperation should be reflected not only in our shared words but also in our shared deeds.”
The declaration addressed decisions related to war, poverty, environmental protection, and new technologies like artificial intelligence. It stressed, “We will emphasize that human progress must always be for the well-being of humanity, and technology should enhance dignity, truth, freedom, and mutual connection rather than diminish them.”
The declaration concluded, “We are not naive. Religious leaders cannot eliminate hate entirely or eradicate every injustice, but we are not powerless either.”
Participants at the event also exchanged rakhi, a symbol of connection, care, and mutual responsibility. Organizers noted that this tradition is being extended beyond families to friends, neighbors, and communities.
–
Leave a Comment