“As you observe this auspicious time through the lighting of lamps, may your peace and prosperity be all the more complete, and may the light of Diwali bring you enlightenment, purity, healing, joy, and peace,” he wrote. “The age-old reality of Hinduism is that unity comes from diversity.”
Pillay acknowledged that we live in a world that is torn apart by division and discrimination. “As the WCC, we seek to discern ways of confronting these sins, and we see the need for the transformation of external structures nurturing our internal will,” he said. “In these challenging times, it is vital that we establish a strong foundation from which to engage in meaningful acceptance of, and exchange of ideas across our differences, and foster the peaceable and renewing spirit inherent in all religions.”
The World Council of Churches values the longstanding relationship with Hindu partners, Pillay reiterated. “May this relationship translate into interreligious solidarity in service of a wounded humanity and a broken earth,” he wrote. “As you light Diwali lamps in your homes, streets, and in your hearts, may light and love flow into entire communities to heal divisions as a divine grace.”
Learn more about the WCC interreligious work
Current Dialogue - World Council of Churches’ journal on interreligious dialogue
"WCC, KAICIID explore areas of cooperation" (WCC news release, 23 October 2024)