Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh Religious leaders of different faiths and inter-religious organisations in the Indian state of Andra Pradesh have united and tightened a collaboration agreement to help contain the spread of Covid-19.
In a joint declaration, the groups say they “want to play a constructive role for the common good by uniting people of all faiths”.
Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh leaders intend to “speak with one voice”, concentrating their efforts on service and unity as the country faces the pandemic.
The religions aim to “avoid prejudice, a sense of exclusion, superstition and fanaticism spread in the name of religion”, allowing “the scientific approach to combat the virus” to prevail, continuing in one’s spiritual and material commitment.
“Religion is probably the most powerful means of mobilising human conscience to serve the common good: we unite as a single force to give impetus to action to overcome the pandemic”, says the agreement.
“Religion has often been cited in both positive and negative contexts.
“On the one hand, in this moment of uncertainty, people have turned to religion out of hope, strength and spiritual resilience.
“Faith has inspired people with a sense of solidarity and a desire to serve others, especially the most vulnerable. At the same time, the name of religion has also been used to emphasise a sense of separation and exclusivity, to cultivate prejudice, to reject science and marry superstition.
“It is an urgent imperative that we [sic] reaffirm those principles common to all religions that have the greatest impact on our response to the current crisis,” says the statement, noting that “spiritual and moral teachings of all religions are identical”.
“All religions must seek ways to promote unity and solidarity so that humanity fights this collective challenge. At the heart of all religions is a spiritual conception of the human being that transcends the material body.
“Religion teaches that all humanity is interconnected and interdependent: it is a family and cells of a single body,” concludes the statement.
Subsidy
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh has announced a special subsidy for all temples, mosques and churches in the state.
The economic contribution, which amounts to 5,000 Indian rupees (€60), is a recognition for the material and spiritual work that all religious communities are carrying out to contain Covid-19.
In addition, he has stated that his government intends to be present with all the people and organisations carrying out programs for the well-being of people, regardless of religion, caste and region.
The State has already made a contribution of 1,000 Indian rupees (€12) to each family and also supplies food rations three times a month to the most needy families.