We must never underplay the fact that over 84% of the world’s population identify with a religious belief or tradition and so have earned their right to have a voice and to be heard. There is growing recognition for religious leaders, with their unique grassroots influence, as being advocates for a dialogue-based solution, and in enhancing their role as inseparable partners to policymakers in peace building and in countering extremist narratives, be they religious or politically-driven. There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions. Equally well, there can be no peace without equality. Existing religious and ethnic minorities have been increasingly viewed as outsiders, rather than equals with shared and common citizenship. Root cause of all violence is socio-cultural programming of inequality. Holocausts do not start with gas chambers but with words. It wouldn’t be within reason to count on the future leaders to change mindsets. Let’s examine the legal position at the United Nations, UK, and Pakistan. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, enshrines the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion Article 1 All human beings are born free and … Continue reading Think Equal Vital to World Peace