The 46th scriptural sharing of the Dialogue & Alliance forum, held on 15 June 2025 on the theme ‘Speaking peace well to achieve peace’, brought together various religious and cultural communities for an interfaith reflection on peace. The meeting, facilitated by Mélanie, a volunteer with the NGO HWPL, was part of an effort to promote a culture of peace through interfaith dialogue, education and international law. The theme for 2025, ‘Weaving Peace in Everyday Life,’ was recalled at the opening.
The moderator introduced the meeting by reminding participants that peace is not simply the absence of war, but a gradual process that requires commitment, dialogue and action. She cited the example of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, to illustrate that peace stems from will and commitment rather than intelligence or social status. The central question posed to the speakers was: ‘What specific teachings from your scriptures inspire or maintain peace in a world in conflict?’
The first speaker, the Buddhist Venerable Michel Thao-Chan, founding president of the Cercle de Réflexion des Nations, emphasised the difference between understanding and achieving peace. According to him, it is not enough to talk about peace: it must be lived on a daily basis, in self-awareness and in simple gestures. On the occasion of Vesak Day, he recalled the rituals of purification and tree planting as symbols of awakening and the anchoring of peace.
Pastor Alex Samou of the Church of the Reformation then took the floor to present biblical examples, notably Joseph and Jesus, which illustrate the power of forgiveness. For him, love and forgiveness are essential ingredients for lasting peace. He stressed the importance of first finding inner peace in order to build social peace.
Julie Gaulke's musical interlude, ‘Dona nobis pacem,’ provided a spiritual pause, reminding us that peace transcends religious boundaries and can only come with the help of the Creator.
Next, Naseer Ahmed Shahid, a missionary from the Amadiyya Muslim community in France, gave a presentation rooted in current world events. He denounced injustice, selfishness and the usurpation of resources as the root causes of conflict. Quoting the spiritual leader of his community, he warned of the danger of a third world war if absolute justice is not implemented. He emphasised collective responsibility and the need to cooperate for the common good.
The ensuing discussions allowed several participants to point out that all religions carry a message of peace, but that this message is too often forgotten or misinterpreted. Muslim representatives highlighted the superiority of forgiveness over retribution. Others, from Cameroon, Mali and Senegal, testified to the crucial role of religious leaders in resolving local crises, while regretting that their voices have little impact on the international stage.
The meeting concluded with the idea that peace must be spoken, understood and lived. It requires concrete action: forgiveness, justice, cooperation and tolerance. The participants reaffirmed that unity among believers, beyond denominational differences, is the key to inspiring societies and influencing decision-makers.
Thus, ‘speaking peace well’ means not only talking about it, but also embodying it and acting on it in personal, social and international life.