By Lamin Kujabi, Reporting from Abu Dhabi
In one of the experience and knowledge-sharing sessions of the recently concluded Global Media Congress (GMC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the topic of discussion was on tolerance and prominent speakers like Mr. Mons Lucio Adrian Ruiz, Secretary at Vatican City in Rome. He underscored the value of people having religious tolerance, accepting the idea of culture, and appreciating spiritual values, beliefs and practices which are different from their own.
“This goal is a complex one due to the great diversity of religions and spiritual beliefs existing in the world today”.
Mr Mons Lucio Adrian Ruiz how- ever opined that tolerance should start at a family level – “where we learn how to accept our own brothers, sisters and parents”.
He proposed that the idea of tolerance be introduced in schools and universities in a bid to promote religious tolerance, freedom, understanding, coexistence, respect, and cooperation, as well as equal rights and treatment of all persons. “Tolerance is ambiguous but we need to understand and apply it in real live situations,” he added. On role of media on tolerance, the Vatican City Secretary posited that the media has a role and responsibility to inform the general public and not to sell a thought but to share the truth.
