Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Lausanne Movement
Rawalpindi (Agenzia Fides) – Music is a powerful tool for interreligious dialogue, capable of promoting understanding and human and spiritual bonds between people of different faiths. Through shared musical experiences, people can find common ground, appreciate different cultural expressions, and build bridges of empathy and respect.With this conviction, musicians, artists, scholars, and enthusiasts from different religious communities in Pakistan have come together thanks to the initiative of the “Center for Social Justice,” founded and directed by Pakistani Catholic Peter Jacob, who for years worked for the Justice and Peace Commission of the Bishops of Pakistan.In a three-day theoretical and practical workshop held recently at the Christian Study Centre in Rawalpindi, a renowned ecumenical institution, participants were able to share musical ideas and practices, reflecting on how music facilitates interfaith dialogue, helps overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, and enables connection on an emotional and spiritual level. A particular aspect of the experience was the encounter with sacred music from different traditions, which can offer moments of reflection and unity among believers of diverse faiths.Furthermore, participants noted that music fosters collaboration and strengthens friendship: joint performances, such as those by interfaith choirs and orchestras, allow people to “create something beautiful and meaningful, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose.” Music also helps “humanize others,” overcoming stereotypes and prejudices and creating inclusive spaces where people can engage in dialogue, build relationships, and enjoy the richness of diversity.The workshop aimed to explore the wide range of poetic and musical expressions typical of Pakistan. For example, the biblical Book of Psalms was translated a century ago into Punjabi lyric poetry and adapted to local musical forms, serving as a resource for dialogue between Muslims and Christians.The workshop concluded with performances from different religious traditions. The participating communities shared their sacred music, performing Christian hymns, Muslim devotional songs, and pieces of Hindu, Sikh, and Kalasha music. Renowned artists such as Karishma, Sameer Robin, Emmanuel Shafqat, and the renowned Sufi singer Arieb Azhar also participated, offering valuable contributions from their spiritual and musical heritage.Peter Jacob thanked all the participants and expressed his hope that “these artistic initiatives will promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the different communities of Pakistan.” In conclusion, he quoted the great 13th-century Muslim spiritual leader, poet, and mystic Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi: “Music is no longer an end, but a means. “Singing is no longer an end, but a means of transport, a path to the divine.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 26/7/2025)
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