| INTER-FAITH CARNIVAL AT BISHAN
SUNDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2010
Masjid An-Nahdhah
Inter-Faith Harmony in Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC
I. Inter-Faith Carnival
1. This is an annual event organised by the Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC IRCCs, to promote racial and religious harmony. Through this carnival, participants of all races and religions gather together to celebrate the peace that we enjoy today in Singapore. One key highlight of the carnival is the inter-faith dialogue, with religious representatives giving a presentation on their religions.
2. This is the first time the inter-faith carnival is being organised in a religious place of worship. This goes to show that religious organisations are becoming more open with sharing their religious perspectives, and such moves will continue to build stronger relationships between the diverse communities and promote racial religious harmony.
II. Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles
3. The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC) being in the second term, starting from April 2009. IRRC comprise representatives from the religious organisations and the community as a whole. Events organised by the IRCCs aim to educate the participants on the various religions, such as the origins, religious practices and the significance, taboos and clearing myths. This is done to promote religious understanding, cooperation and building trust.
4. Points made during the Youth Racial Harmony Ambassadors Programme Finale. These were
a. People are the only natural resources in Singapore. This Government can set the policies but it ultimately boils down to the people who decide the extent and level of harmony that we will have in our country.
b. The growth and prosperity of our country very much depends on our people and the relationships between our diverse communities.
5. The greater need for IRCC members to ensure continuity and sustainability in its efforts. The IRCCs, being the local-level inter-faith platforms, offer an avenue for the religious representatives to know and work with each other. These relationships should be maintained to ensure that the cohesive society that we enjoy now will continue for generations to come.
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