Lahore: December 23, 2013. (Fr. Inayat Bernard) December 21, 2013: “We are happy today because all the religious representatives are gathered at one place”. Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM of Lahore was talking to around 300 male and female participants from Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians gathered at Avari Lahore hotel organized by Council for Interfaith Dialogue (CIFD). He said, “We all are happy while Herod was afraid at the birth of Jesus since he was not willing to have dialogue with the others. The effect of the dialogue among ourselves is to bring us close to one another and we become fearless because we are united in the faith in one God”. He said that our land is very fertile for dialogue and we believe in the merciful God who gives hope and energy to live together. It is beautiful that the voice of daily Azan at five times, church bells and worshipers in the Hindu temples and Sikh gurdawaras and the prayers for peace from religious worship places will bring good atmosphere in the country. He ended by saying that the small light has to go on because it ends the darkness in hearts and each one’s life and brings hope for peace around us. He wished that such programs will bring understanding among ourselves and we will be able to make our country a peaceful place to live. Sikh Leader Sardar Gernail Sing said that his kids long for the celebration of Christmas and were asking him when to go to any of this kind of program. He said that we have lived together for many centuries and in the past year these walls have separated us and we have to tell our children to come close to each and have to lit the small lights in our surrounding. By bringing our kids together we can make our country a peaceful place to live. Hindu leader Bhagat Lal said that it is a good tradition that during past years we call one another on our solemn occasions of our religions. The Muslim feasts, Christian’s Christmas, Hindi diwali and Sikhs festivals are bringing us close to each other. He ended by saying that we are all Pakistanis and we want peace in our homeland. Fr. Inayat Bernard director CIFD said that our council is not a NGO but composed of members of the civil society of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. He said that the council caries on to organize programs on religious occasions of these four religious and plans different seminars, press conferences and worships to create an atmosphere of mutual respect in order to live and let live. He ended by saying that the purpose of council is to work for peace and hope for a tolerant and bright Pakistan. Muslim Advocate Ms. Shabnam Nagi said that the council has arranged a bouquet of different faiths and each has got its own fragrance and specialty. We worked for an independent country and we will continue to work together at all times. Mufti Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, the head of the local madrisa brought his students who distributed flowers to all the participants who created an attractive and soothing atmosphere. He wished Merry Christmas to the Christian participants. He hoped that by such gathering will help all Pakistanis to grow in respect of each one and rebuild a prosperous and respectful Pakistan. Sohail Ahmed Raza, youth leader of the Minhaj-ul-Quran wished the Christians around the world and of Pakistan and wiwed year 2014 to be the year of lasting peace in Pakistan. Fr. James Channan OP, Asian coordinator of United Religions Initiative said that all religions believe and respect Jesus as the Prince of Peace. He said that such programs will help shun hatred among ourselves and peace will come in our midst through our constant efforts. We are promoters of peace because what one has can only share with the others. He expressed desire to work together to make this country a place of peace. Pir Shafat Rasool, the head of Bilal Markis said that the religious leaders have not to make the religion as the cause to close the street of dialogue but learn from the mystics of the soil who go beyond their religious alliance and talk about humanity to be practiced. He said that the birth of Jesus Christ is accepted by all the religions resent in the country and if we wish we can easily make our country a peaceful place. He said, “We have to bring peace in our hearts and minds not only thorugh words but through our good acts”. Fr. Francis Nadem OFM Cap the coordinator thanked all the religious leaders, the speakers, the participants, the singers, and all colllaborators. The celebrations started with the national anthem and Santa Claus added to the Christmas atmosphere. The Gospel set the tone of Christmas celebration while the Christmas Carols and social hymns and songs were played to entertain the multi religious audience.