KUALA LUMPUR: Religious leaders possess the power to de-escalate conflicts by adhering to their principles, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin said this in his royal address at the Regional Southeast Asia Human Dignity Conference 2024 today.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining human dignity and turning ideals into tangible actions.
He also shared a poignant story, recounting an incident from 2010 involving Reverend Datuk Donald Jute, the Bishop of Sarawak.
The Reverend's response to vandalism at his church exemplified unity and respect during a period of heightened tension between Muslims and Christians.
"On the morning of January 10, 2010, Reverend Jute found that bricks had been thrown at his church, shattering stained glass windows. Despite the media's anticipation of a divisive reaction, Reverend Jute responded with calm. He said, 'We really don't want to speculate on the incident and we don't want to blame anybody as we don't know who is behind this," said Sultan Nazrin.
He praised Reverend Jute's decision to seek peace over retribution.
He said the Reverend's composed response prevented further conflict and preserved the harmonious relationship between the church and the neighbouring An-Naim Mosque.
He also said that the longstanding tradition of sharing parking spaces for Friday prayers and Sunday services, along with mutual holiday celebrations, continued uninterrupted.
Sultan Nazrin said that the Imam of the mosque visited the church to condemn the vandalism, reinforcing bonds of mutual respect and support.
Sultan Nazrin quoted Reverend Jute: "We have been neighbours for a long time with no negative feelings but respect and brotherhood."
Emphasising that this story underscored the crucial role religious leaders play in mitigating conflicts and fostering unity, he commended Reverend Jute's compassionate response as an example of mercy, love, and forgiveness, urging others to respond with dignity and kindness in the face of adversity.
"May his actions continue to inspire us to create a more inclusive and understanding world," said Sultan Nazrin.
The conference, held in collaboration with the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), the International Centre of Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at Brigham Young University, and the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), brought together interfaith representatives from both local and international communities to discuss best practices and success stories related to human dignity in Southeast Asia.