Archbishop John Barwa Calls for Peace and Human Dignity at Interfaith Platinum Jubilee in Cuttack

Archbishop John Barwa Calls for Peace and Human Dignity at Interfaith Platinum Jubilee in Cuttack

A powerful witness to interfaith harmony unfolded at the Amruta Mahotsav (Platinum Jubilee) celebrations of the The Divine Life Society Cuttack Branch, held from January 30 to February 2 at the Indore Stadium. The final day featured an interreligious gathering centered on the theme: “A Call to Universal Fraternity: A Moral Vision for Our Time.” Among the distinguished spiritual leaders invited to speak was Most Rev. John Barwa, whose presence brought a strong Christian voice to the dialogue on peace, unity, and human dignity.

The event gathered respected representatives from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Christian traditions, along with scholars and public leaders, reflecting India’s spiritual diversity. Yet, despite varied religious identities, the core message remained unified: the urgent need to restore fraternity, compassion, and moral responsibility in today’s fractured world.

A Christian Witness to Universal Brotherhood
In his address, Archbishop John Barwa emphasized that Christian faith begins with a profound truth about the human person — that all are created by one loving God. He reminded the gathering that before nationality, religion, or social identity, humanity shares a common origin and destiny.

Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Archbishop highlighted the biblical teaching that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore carries an inherent dignity that must never be violated. This conviction, he noted, forms the foundation of Christian social teaching and the Church’s commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.

He further reflected on the words of Christ from the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
The Archbishop explained that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, love, and mutual respect. He urged believers of all faiths to become builders of bridges rather than walls, especially in times marked by division, mistrust, and violence.

Faith as a Force for Healing the World
Archbishop Barwa stressed that religious traditions must not remain confined to ritual spaces but should actively shape society’s moral direction. He affirmed that when faith communities stand together for truth, compassion, and the protection of human dignity, they become a transformative force for good.

He also acknowledged the importance of interfaith gatherings such as this, describing them as signs of hope in a world that often highlights differences instead of shared values. Through respectful dialogue and shared prayerful reflection, he said, believers can rediscover their common calling to serve humanity.

A Sacred and Hope-Filled Encounter

Participants described the event as spiritually uplifting and deeply moving. The presence of leaders from multiple traditions, standing together in mutual respect, created a visible sign of unity amid diversity.

In closing, Archbishop John Barwa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the Christian vision of universal fraternity and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to working alongside people of goodwill for peace and harmony. His message resonated as a reminder that true fraternity begins when we recognize one another as brothers and sisters under one Creator.

The Amruta Mahotsav thus became more than a jubilee celebration — it stood as a testimony that faith, when lived authentically, can inspire moral renewal and bring light to the challenges of our time.

God bless all.