Hindus applaud Anglicans for stand on environment, poverty

Washington, Aug 4 : Hindus have congratulated Anglicans for taking a strong stand on environment, poverty and interfaith dialogue at the historic ten-yearly 20-day Lambeth Conference, which concluded at Canterbury in United Kingdom today. Acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), lauded some of the interfaith gestures mentioned in the "Lambeth Indaba Reflections" issued on the occasion, which said, "We must stand and work together with other faith communities making space in our hearts for one another. Effective and meaningful dialogue will only take place where there is gentleness, honesty and integrity."

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, also commended Anglicans' resolutions for making environment a high priority; creating interfaith connections for environment advocacy; developing worship resources on environmental themes and using liturgical seasons for environmental awareness; brokering conversations between business, government and environmentalists; urging bishops for a simpler lifestyle; and working with other faith groups to lobby governments for environmental laws.

"Conference laying stress on Anglicans' "commitment to the poor, the marginalised, the exploited, refugees, indigenous peoples, the internally displaced and victims of war, terror and natural disaster" and its offer of "support to minorities who suffer human rights abuses" was a remarkable signal," Zed added.

Zed also praised Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for urging to capture a middle way in the presidential address during concluding plenary today and for saying "the image of God is the same everywhere".

But, Zed said, that all world religions and denominations should ponder and come up with clear and open stands on issues surrounding gender and sexuality, sooner the better.

"Lambeth Indaba Reflections" document was prepared by a group lead by Western Australia Archbishop Roger Herft during this summit of worldwide Anglicans, a Christian denomination, who number around 77 million.

ANI