In Afghanistan, Different Faith Leaders Talk Together

An encouraging story from the UK MOD about how Christian military chaplains can help engage with locals in religious dialoge. MP+

Religious leaders meet and forge relationships in Helmand
A People In Defence news article
30 Jun 11

A shura was recently held in central Helmand between local elders and religious representatives of the Afghan forces, Royal Marines and Gurkhas all currently working together in the area.

Members of the Afghan Army and Police, 45 Commando Royal Marines and 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) are all operating in the Nad 'Ali (South) area of Helmand province.

The shura between their religious representatives came about when the local elders heard that the Gurkhas' religious advisers were planning a visit to the Nepalese soldiers operating in Nad 'Ali (South). They then organised the shura for the representatives of the different religions to come together and discuss the similarities shared by their faiths and forge a better understanding of each other.


Religious leaders representing the Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist faiths attend a religious engagement shura at Chah-e Mirza in Nad 'Ali (South), Afghanistan
[Picture: LA(Phot) Andy Laidlaw, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Read the whole article here.