UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday religious leaders had a pivotal role to play in times of turmoil as they can provide a value-based glue to hold communities together and provide a common ground for peace-making.

Addressing religious leaders at a conference of “traditional religions” in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, the UN chief said: “You can do so by fostering dialogue; by using spiritual authority to encourage individuals to act humanely; and by promoting shared values – as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

In his opening remarks, the Secretary General reminded religious leaders of their obligation to speak out when “so-called adherents of their faith” commit crimes in its name.

“[They] must teach their followers the true meaning of reconciliation, understanding and mutual respect,” Ban emphasised. “All…crimes committed in the name of religion are crimes against religion.”

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2015

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