Collaboration for both to continue, says joint statemnt

The Second Christian-Taoist Colloquium has issued a seven-point statement which, among others, recognises that the present day’s crisis of ethics requires a rediscovery of universal values based on social justice, integral ecology, as well as the dignity of human life at every stage and circumstance.

It affirmed that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) “remains a shared fundamental expression of human conscience for our times and offers a solid basis for promoting a more just world”.

The other points in the joint statement acknowledged that the Colloquium has helped to strengthen their bonds of friendship and nurture their desire for further collaboration. Participants shared their concerns and hopes for the future.

They affirmed that because of the fundamental ethical teachings of the Christian and Taoist traditions to do good and avoid evil, “no one can escape the moral responsibility of transforming unjust socio-economic, political, cultural, religious and legal structures”.

They also believe in the capacity of the two religious traditions to inspire a multi-faceted response to the current challenges. Therefore, together they identified the need to improve the methods of communication of their traditions and stories in a language that is easily understood.

They also believe that families, educational institutions, and religious communities are places of spiritual and moral formation where today’s youth can learn to shape tomorrow’s world into a better place.

They noted that the interpersonal and scholarly exchanges have enabled them to work together to shape the ethical framework needed for the common good of this and future generations.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online