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Pretoria, South Africa – The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Theology recently hosted a transformative Interreligious Week, designed to foster unity, cooperation, and understanding among various religious communities. The week-long event brought together diverse religious groups with a shared purpose: to collaborate on addressing critical community challenges while reaffirming the importance of spiritual values in society.
The event sought to provide a space for dialogue, learning, and shared experiences, allowing religious leaders, scholars, and students to explore ways to unite in their efforts for a more harmonious society. The Church of Scientology was invited to contribute to this interfaith dialogue, joining other key religious organizations such as the Methodist Church, the Catholic Church, Islam, and The Revelation Spiritual Home.
Throughout history, religions have often been indoctrinated to view each other as adversaries, fueling rivalries and fostering division. This opposition has contributed to countless wars, as belief systems clashed in struggles for dominance rather than mutual understanding. However, modern times have shown us the strength that comes from unity. Today, many recognize that these conflicts were often orchestrated distractions from the shared purpose of uplifting men. It is time to end these divisions and work together – celebrating our common values and harnessing our collective power for the greater good of society.
Through a series of enriching discussions, lectures, and an exhibition, the event allowed participants to engage with each other's beliefs, fostering mutual respect and appreciation. The event emphasized that, despite doctrinal differences, all religions share a common goal: to serve humanity by nurturing spiritual well-being, promoting peace, and addressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence.
One of the key highlights was a lecture focused on Traditional African Religion, where attendees were introduced to this rich cultural and spiritual tradition. This was just one part of the broader effort to foster mutual understanding between religious communities, as the week offered a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of various faiths. During this lecture, the Church of Scientology was introduced by one of the institution's senior theology professors as a “friend” of the university, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event and the importance of ongoing dialogue between different religious traditions.
“The lectures and discussions were an eye-opener for many,” said one religious scholar. “It’s not just about religious differences; it’s about finding shared values and working together for a stronger, united society. This week reaffirmed our collective responsibility to foster spiritual growth, not just in individuals but in our communities as a whole.”
The final day of the week featured an exhibition, held outside the Theology building, where representatives from each participating religion shared insights into their beliefs, customs, and practices. The exhibition provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and visitors to engage directly with the diverse faiths represented. It showcased how different religious traditions contribute to the broader community and highlighted their collective role in addressing the spiritual and social challenges of the modern world.
“This exhibition was a powerful reminder that, despite our different beliefs, we all share a common goal—to create a more peaceful and harmonious world,” added Sandile Hlayisi, Spokesperson for the Church of Scientology, “It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and respect, which are central to all our faiths.”
The Interreligious Week also served as a call to action for religious communities to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them. Despite the rich diversity of religious traditions present, all attendees acknowledged the importance of putting aside differences and focusing on the core mission: to serve others, promote spiritual development, and create a society that reflects the highest moral standards.
“Religious conflict and division have often diverted our attention from our true purpose: to help the community and uphold spiritual values that transcend any one religion,” remarked Hlayisi. “When faith communities unite, we have the power to transform society by addressing pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence, while restoring the spiritual values that are essential for a just and peaceful world.”
“Indeed, this week was a stark reminder that religious unity holds immense power to address societal challenges. By focusing on shared values such as compassion, charity, and justice, faith communities can work together more effectively to heal communities, uplift individuals, and restore the spiritual foundation of society,” said another guest.
As the event concluded, all participating religious communities expressed a strong desire to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration, with many extending invitations to visit each other's places of worship. The willingness to reach out and learn from one another is a powerful first step in building lasting partnerships among religions to combat social ills and promote spiritual growth.
This event reinforced the idea that true religious unity comes not from uniformity of belief, but from recognizing and respecting each other’s role in serving humanity. By working together, faith communities can create an inclusive, compassionate society where spiritual values lead the way toward long-lasting peace and social well-being.
About Us: The Church of Scientology in South Africa at Castle Kyalami is a sanctuary for Scientologists across the African continent, embodying L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of ideal Church facilities that support spiritual growth and community engagement. Beyond serving as a religious retreat, our Church is a hub for humanitarian and community outreach, partnering with individuals and organizations dedicated to creating a better Africa and a better world. We are committed to fostering a civilisation of peace, prosperity, and freedom, where people of all backgrounds can work together to uplift one another and achieve a common dream of lasting harmony and spiritual freedom.
Contact Info:
Name: SANDILE HLAYISI
Email: Send Email
Organization: CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY SOUTH AFRICA
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.castlekyalami.org.za/
Release ID: 89146183
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