By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), April 1, GNA – As Muslims across the world mark Eid-Ul-Fitir, the Catholic Diocese of Wa has called for unity and peaceful co-existence between people of different religious beliefs and practices in the Upper West region to promote development.
It observed that Christians and Muslims in the region had over the years co-existed in unity and respect for each other’s beliefs, which were key values of the Christian and Islamic religions and needed to be sustained.
Addressing a congregation of Muslims on behalf of the Bishop of Wa during the Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers in Wa, Reverend Father, Dr. Aloysius Nuolabong of the Catholic Diocese of Wa, emphasised the importance of people prioritising peace and unity regardless of their religious affiliations.
Alhaji Ahmed Nanjo, Imam of the Wa Central Mosque, led the Eid prayers at the Wa Jubilee Park on Monday.
Rev. Fr. Nuolabong acknowledged that while there might be differences in beliefs, values, and practices between Muslims and Christians that should not be a barrier to peaceful coexistence.
He encouraged the people to work towards a common goal of development and helping the needy and the poor in society.
He urged both Muslims and Christians to support the less privileged in society and serve humanity with unconditional love, which was the basis of worshipping God with clean hearts and pure intentions.
Rev. Fr. Nuolabong explained: “This year Ramadan largely coincides with the season of Lent. This possibility in the spiritual calendar offers us a unique opportunity to work side-by-side, Christians and Muslims, in a common process of education, prayer and charity.
Concretely, we need to ask ourselves the best ways of bringing hope to those who are disheartened, especially the poor widows, exploited single mothers and the vulnerable young girls and those who drop out of school due to financial constraints.”
He reminded religious leaders of their promise and duty to sustain and promote Christian-Muslim dialogue in the region in efforts to ensure peace and development of the region and among the people.
The Reverend Father also stressed the importance of promoting vocational skills training among young people through setting up training centres to enable those in need acquire skills that would help them build a better future.
Rev. Fr. Nuolabong further encouraged all well-meaning people in the region, irrespective of their faith, to contribute towards promoting education as the key to unlocking a brighter future for the youth, the region and the country.
GNA
CAE/BM