ASTANA,Kazakhstan(Raza Syed)-In a powerful address at the annual Astana Congress, Rt Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells from UK, a distinguished religious leader, expressed gratitude to the hosts for their hospitality and called for unity in the pursuit of peace. Dr. Bailey Wells emphasized the critical role of interfaith dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the diverse representation of World and Traditional Religions at the event.
Dr. Bailey Wells opened her address by reflecting on the recent tragic events in the Holy Land, condemning acts of terrorism and mourning the loss of innocent lives. She stressed the importance of not taking sides and called for a collective response to such violence, recognizing the shared human experience that transcends faith, race, and nationality.
The Congress and Secretariat were acknowledged as platforms that provide religious leaders with an extraordinary opportunity to lead and break the cycle of anger and revenge. Dr. Bailey Wells called for the establishment of a virtuous circle based on trust, emphasizing that such leadership can inspire political leaders to seek alternative paths to resolution, thus preventing further destruction.
In a compelling message,she asserted that reconciliation and tolerance are inevitable if humanity is to continue to exist. While affirming the Declaration’s commitment to spiritual diversity and harmony, she raised concerns about the potential hollowness of such words without concrete actions.
In response to the urgency of the moment, Dr. Bailey Wells announced a ten-year Development Concept aimed at implementing the Declaration’s goals. The concept includes initiatives such as faith-based diplomacy, mediations, goodwill ambassador appointments, youth involvement, and cooperation with educational institutions. Notably, it places a strong emphasis on expanding female representation and involvement, recognizing the role of women in dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation.
She highlighted the importance of fostering diverse connections, promoting courageous conversations, and demonstrating constructive disagreement. She emphasized that these efforts are essential for achieving transformative goals and fostering the capacity of World and Traditional Religions to bring about positive change.
In a poignant analogy, Dr. Bailey Wells likened the pursuit of peace to the Christian theology of incarnation, where God takes human form to be with humanity. She stressed the need for in-person, face-to-face engagement, stating that it is through personal connections and informal friendships that the walls of hostility can be broken down.
Recognizing the challenges posed by the Congress,she expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its twenty years of unwavering commitment to peace. She commended the host country for its resilience and refusal to take sides, standing firm against easy solutions and inevitabilities.
The Congress concluded with a resounding message of determination: “We keep going!” Dr. Bailey Wells and other religious leaders are committed to leading the way in building a more peaceful world, united in their pursuit of reconciliation, tolerance, and trust.
