Global faith leaders are getting set to join forces today [May 14] to create the Bermuda Committee for Human Fraternity.
A spokesperson said, “Three leaders from the interfaith community have formalized their strategic approach to the historic ‘Document on Human Fraternity’ between Pope Francis and The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb by convening an informal prayer assembly based on peace, justice and economic opportunity for all that will be known as the Bermuda Committee for Human Fraternity.
“The Most Reverend Wes Spiewack [Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton] and Emir Saleem Talbot [Imam of the Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre] joined forces on December 17, 2019 at Government House to co-sign this document and are now being joined by The Right Reverend Nick Dill [Anglican Bishop of Bermuda].
“Together they have agreed to coordinate their social justice obligations in the spirit of urgency that is required under the challenging circumstances created by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“This informal arrangement will be officially announced on Thursday, May 14, 2020 [the 20th day of Ramadhan] at Victoria Park in the City of Hamilton during a press conference scheduled for 3pm to highlight the day of interfaith prayer that was convened by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi as part of the world’s increasing focus on Covid-19 disaster relief.
“The three faith leaders will highlight the uniquely global spotlight that has fallen on Bermuda as a result of the island’s proximity to the first arrival of African prisoners of war from the Catholic Kingdom of Kongo [in present day Angola] to Virginia and Bermuda during 1619.
“This anniversary has paved the way for a wide ranging focus on peacemaking that is relevant to the broader transatlantic community.
“The faith leaders will emphasize the importance of fasting and supplicating to God, to protect us from this virus and guide us through these difficult times we are facing. They wish to point out their shared monotheistic precepts of the Abrahamic tradition of prayer, devotion and practicing human fraternity.
“They will also be using this influence to bring attention to the looming ‘hunger pandemic of biblical proportions’ that has been declared by the World Food Program of the United Nations as a result of the COVID-19 catastrophe.
“Bermuda will be used as a global laboratory to promote the sustained spirit of unity among world peoples that will be required to overcome these challenges.
“Today marks the first part of this process of goodwill and Peacemaking which will continue with a tree planting ceremony for reconciliation and peace on May 24 at Government House in celebration of the Ramadhan Eid Al Fitr, the fifth anniversary of the Laudato Si encyclical of Pope Francis, the birthday of Queen Victoria, US Memorial Day Weekend and the spirit of African Unity Day.
“All peoples will be encouraged to engage their own tree of reconciliation and peace in celebration of this unique moment in modern history.”
