Ms Madiako Louisa Mojela is a supporter of the Diocese of Lesotho in the province of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and a lay representative to the Anglican Consultative Council. She is also a member of the Anglican Inter Faith Commission and will be one of the contributors for the upcoming webinar discussing ‘The Lambeth Call on Inter Faith’. Ahead of this event, Lousia shared her experiences and views on the importance of inter faith relations.
Why are inter faith relations important?
‘In my view, as human beings, we all follow the faith or religion that resonates with our own beliefs the most. In most cases, these beliefs are shaped by our upbringing through our parents’ influence, or through marriage, education, friends or sometimes just living in a certain neighbourhood. Any or all of these things might influence you to follow a certain faith.
‘In this case, as Anglicans, it is important to relate with different faiths and to be cognisant that even though our beliefs may differ, what matters most is the respect we should accord one another. We can learn from religious boarding schools, which often enrol students from all walks of life. The most important thing is that the students are able to live in harmony, coexist with one another and are encouraged to respect one another while learning as much as they can from each other.
‘It is also important to note that the challenge of engaging with inter faith dialogues does not only refer to other faiths, but we must also be mindful of respecting other Christians. The Christian community is an extremely diverse group with very different views and it’s important for us to discuss these with a lot of respect.’
What do you see as the main challenges to successful inter faith relationships?
‘I think we should not look for challenges, but rather ask what opportunities exist for us to forge and nourish long-lasting inter faith relationships. The biggest point for me, as we engage, we should do so with a view of not trying to change people’s beliefs but rather attempting to build bridges for a better understanding that comes with mutual respect between our different faiths. Praying for our Muslim communities as they begin their Ramadan is a simple way of extending a friendly hand. In the same way, they could pray for their Christian communities during Lent or any of the important events in our church calendar.’
How does inter faith work make a tangible difference in the world?
‘I believe the work that the Anglican Inter Faith Commission does makes a huge difference in the world, as it showcases the teaching of our Lord that we must love one another. By loving one another, we build bridges and extend a hand of friendship globally.’
What most inspires you about the Lambeth Call to Inter Faith?
‘I regard the Lambeth Call to Inter Faith as a universal call for all Anglicans to love God’s children irrespective of their religious beliefs. I am also inspired by scripture in terms of inter faith relations, especially John 15:15-17, which says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
‘The Lambeth Call to Inter Faith states, “Whatever our context, our neighbours of other religious traditions are all made in the image of God, and as Christians we are called to love others as ourselves” (Lambeth Call, Inter Faith 2.4). This is exactly what Jesus teaches us to do: to love one another.’
About Ms Madiako Louisa Mojela
Ms Madiako Louisa Mojela is a supporter of the Diocese of Lesotho and a Lay representative to the Anglican Consultative Council. Louisa is also the founder and Group CEO of the Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD) company, which seeks to create value that catalyses social transformation through the economic empowerment of women.
A recording of the webinar will be available beyond the broadcast date.
Photo source/credit: WIPHOLD.