The world church is concerned about the deterioration of Muslim- Christian relations and the increase of intimidation, discrimination and persecution. We are not isolated from such influences. Local interfaith relations are deeply effected by what is happening on the global political stage. It is essential, at this time, that we find avenues for creative coexistence between the Christian church and other faith communities. We must redefine ourselves within the broader context of world faiths.

I see Creation as God’s primary revelation within which we are all, by design, one human family. Families, by their very nature, must embrace diversity and accommodate religious freedom and tolerance. We must draw confidence from our Christian revelation in which there is no hint of compromise, syncretism, or dilution of our beliefs. As we see God moving across the greater global canvas, our own understanding of an incarnate God becomes all the more consuming. We are of an age where we must engage intelligently and maturely with those of non-Christian faiths, seeking greater insight, further understanding and a deepening of our faith position.

This is not as revolutionary as some may claim. Resolution 20 from the Lambeth Conference in 1988 commended dialogue with people of other faiths as part of Christian discipleship and mission. It did so on the understanding that dialogue:

• begins when people meet each other
• depends upon mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual trust;
• makes it possible to share in service to the community; and
• become a medium of authentic witness.

The Conference acknowledged that, while dialogue was not a substitute for evangelism, it could help people of different faiths to make common cause in resolving issues of peace-making, social justice and religious liberty. It also commended each Anglican province to initiate dialogue in partnership with other Christian churches, where appropriate.

As Chairperson of the Interreligious Commission on Crime and Violence in the Western Cape, I am always encouraged by the willingness of religious leaders to cooperate over many critical issues. Indeed, the interfaith movement in this country was born out of the common struggle against apartheid and a willingness to lay aside doctrine and dogma in order to confront the common enemy. It is essential that faith communities continue this collaborative engagement. As such, I give my blessing to the Faith Based Alliances that have been formed around poverty and development, the Debt issue and HIV/AIDS. I also applaud the formation of the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, an umbrella body that exists to promote coexistence values and creative dialogue in our region. I trust members of this Diocese will take every opportunity to support such programmes that aim to heal our religious divisions.

There is no controversy here. ‘Interfaith’ is not another issue or problem for our church. It is simply an awareness that there is much to learn, much to enjoy and a lot more of God to understand in our multi-faith religious family.

Njongonkulu Ndungane – Archbishop’s Charge Wednesday 6th August 2003