Faith Voices Stress Compassion Over Division, Highlight Rakhi as Bond of Responsibility
New York, August 30 – At Madison Square Garden’s "Universal Oneness" conference, top religious representatives warned that hatred is spilling over borders at an unprecedented pace, while societies are contending with wars, refugee crises, bias and the adverse effects of fast‑growing technology.
The gathering brought together Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and leaders from the world’s major faiths. Baba Jain, founding secretary‑general of the World Council of Religious Leaders, introduced a "Call to Action" after consulting more than 200 delegates from over thirty religions.
Jain highlighted the dual nature of faith – its power to heal, reconcile and inspire, contrasted with its occasional misuse to sow division, alienate groups and legitimize violence. He urged clergy to first examine the language, teachings, institutions and rituals they propagate within their own communities.
"We will denounce any attempt to weaponise religion to justify hatred, humiliation, inhumane conduct or aggression," he said. "We must teach that deep devotion and respect for those of different beliefs can exist side by side."
He appealed to religious bodies to forge relationships before crises strike and to bring young people together beyond doctrinal and cultural limits, noting that familiarity makes hatred harder to sustain.
Imam Sharif remarked that the true yardstick of the event’s success will be the actions participants take after leaving the venue. "The question is whether today’s gathering will produce a different reality tomorrow," he asked. "If we depart with stronger bonds, fresh courage, shared responsibility and concrete plans, we may have helped launch something far larger."
Sharif warned against equating unity with uniformity. "We don’t need to become identical to stay connected. True unity does not require sameness, and deep faith does not need contempt for others."
He also pointed out that despite rapid technological progress, humanity’s oldest tendencies—prejudice, ego‑driven groupings, and domination struggles—remain potent. "Hatred now spreads across borders faster through our screens, while humanity grapples with these age‑old impulses intensified by technology," he said.
Reverend Thorn added that people are repeatedly told who to fear, blame or ostracise. He said the summit presented a contrasting message: "When humans choose to come together, listen instead of shout, and seek understanding rather than harm, something sacred emerges."
"Before the lines drawn by nations, religions or politics, we are human beings, children of the Divine," Thorn concluded.
Rabbi Blumenthal cited a Jewish teaching that every person contains a divine spark of immeasurable worth. He affirmed that all humans are equal, valuable and deserving of love because, in the eyes of God, each individual mirrors the Divine.
He argued that contemporary social problems stem largely from isolation. "We need to build relationships rooted in love and respect," he urged.
A key moment of the conference was the Raksha Bandhan ritual, presented as an emblem of care, security and mutual responsibility. Organisers encouraged attendees to extend this spirit beyond family to neighbours, strangers and different religious communities.
For context, Bhagwat has led the RSS since 2009. Founded in 1925, the organization is marking its centenary and using the milestone to spread its message of social service and communal harmony.