Rome (Fides Service) - «Authentic and lived fraternity is the fruit of love which is capable of dialogue, relationship, of that love which far from closing itself proudly in its own world, opens to others and works with all people of good will to build unity and peace in the world”. Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement said this on Saturday June, at Westminster Central Hall in London as one of the speakers at a meeting “Imagine a World enriched by Diversity” with testimony, spectacles and reflections.
Christians of different confessions and members of other religions came together to express their common commitment to build a world of peace and fraternity
Among the 2,000 present there were Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus including Sikh leader Bhai Sahib ji Mohinder Singh from Birmingham; Dr Zaki Badawi, President of the Council of Imam and Mosques in Great Britain; Mrs Didi Athavale, Leader of the Liberal Democratic party in the House of Lords.
In her address Chiara Lubich tried to answer the question “what future for a multiethnic, multicultural multi-religious society?” For Chiara Lubich, the secret is the ability to accept people who are different as part of a whole. “The secret of this ability to bring people who are so different together lies in the modern and relevant spirit of the Gospel which inspires our Movement. A spirituality of communion which generates a new style of life. However this is not a monopoly of our Movement it is the fruit of a charisma and a gift of God for all who are willing to receive it ” Chiara Lubich said in her intervention.
“What does this spirituality teach about relations among people of different races, cultures and religions? What attitude truly enlightened does it suggest to build fraternity? It calls first of all those who have faith, to have profound respect for God and for what he is, Love and Father”.
The journey to London allowed Chiara Lubich to meet, Tuesday 15 June, Dr. Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglican Church of England. The next day July 16 Chiara was invited to speak at St. Mary’s College Surrey University where she gave a lecture “New Movements and the Marian Profile” as the conclusion of a cycle of talks on “Mission and Evangelisation”.
(P.L.R.) (Agenzia Fides 22/6/2004 - Righe 29; Parole 378)