Our differences should be source of strength, not division- UFUK Dialogue

By Philomina Attah

Mr Emrah Ilgen, President of UFUK Dialogue, said that unity, respect, and dialogue were the cornerstones of lasting peace, adding that “Our differences should be source of strength, not division”.

Ilgen stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the interreligious dialogue workshop organised by the Mission and Dialogue Department, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and other stakeholders.

The workshop was with the theme: “60 Years of Nostra Aetate: A Journey of Discovery, Dialogue and Friendship ” aims at promoting peace among other religions.

He reflected on the enduring legacy of Nostra Aetate, a document that, since its adoption in 1965, has served as a beacon for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

He reflected on the enduring legacy of Nostra Aetate, a document that, since its adoption in 1965, has served as a beacon for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

He highlighted the harmonious blend of Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Christian, and Muslim communities, underscoring the importance of unity.

He reminded participants lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who stood up to honour a Jewish funeral procession, teaching that respect for humanity transcends religious boundaries.

“Nostra Aetate reminds us that, as human beings, we must give each other respect and love.

“We are all children of Prophet Abraham, coming from the same divine source. Our differences should be a source of strength, not division,” he said.

He likened Nigeria’s unity to its national football team, where players from different backgrounds come together to achieve greatness.

“When they score a goal, they celebrate together. That’s the power of unity,” he said.

Ilgen emphasised that interfaith dialogue and education are not luxuries but necessities for peacebuilding in today’s world.

He commended the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Nigerian Interreligious Council, and all partners for their dedication to fostering understanding and tolerance.

“May this celebration renew our collective commitment to harmony, tolerance, and the shared values that unite us all. May God bless you. May Allah bless you. All of you.”

Most Rev. Stephen Manza, Bishop of Yola Diocese and Deputy President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), says ,Dialogue has been our path to national stability and reconciliation.”

urged religious leaders and communities to deepen Muslim-Christian friendship and interfaith cooperation for the good of Nigeria and humanity.

Bishop Manza reflected on the transformative power of Nostra Aetate, the landmark Vatican II document that reshaped the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, especially Islam and Judaism.

“For the first time in 1965, the Church spoke of Islam not with suspicion, but with reverence and recognition. “These were not merely words of diplomacy.. They were declarations of kinship.”

Bishop Manza did not shy away from the challenges facing interfaith relations today, including religiously motivated violence, Islamophobia, and Christian persecution.

He called for a united rejection of hatred and a renewed commitment to peace: “Nostra Aetate calls us to be peacemakers. This call is as urgent now as it was sixty years ago.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s own journey, Bishop Manza praised the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) leadership during times of religious crisis, such as the Kaduna and Jos conflicts, and the formation of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC).

He also emphasised the importance of engaging not only with Islam and Christianity but also with African Traditional Religion (ATR), noting the need for a new framework for dialogue that respects Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Quoting both the Qur’an and the Gospel, Manza says, “Let us nurture a spirit of ‘ta’aruf’ knowing one another.

“Let our dialogue be practical, focused on peace, justice, and care for the vulnerable. The seeds planted by Nostra Aetate have grown now it is our task to cultivate them with care, courage, and compassion.”

Bishop Manza hoped that the next sixty years would see even deeper friendship and cooperation among Nigeria’s faith communities, offering a beacon of hope for the world. (NAN)