WCC sends Hindu friends greetings for Diwali festival of lights

As the Hindu community celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit offered greetings on behalf of the global fellowship.

“The potential of light to dispel darkness has, across time and tradition, been celebrated as a symbol of resilient hope,” Tveit wrote. “Alongside this, the symbol of light also speaks in a challenging manner of internal illumination – of the need for the inner awakening of our consciousness and consciences, and connecting with the light that lies within each one of us.”

Tveit reflected that we live in a world that seems to be torn apart by division and discrimination. “Responding to the sin and scourge of racism puts the onus on religious communities to embrace new models of service to God and humanity,” he wrote. “I am confident that together we can make a difference and look forward to continued and closer collaboration between the WCC and our Hindu partners.”

WCC, oikoumene.org