TODAY-Nov 8
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said he was responding to online comments that religious leaders should not be giving guidance with regard to the Israel-Hamas war. The minister said this in a speech before a documentary screening organized by the Inter-Religious Organization. Mr Shanmugam said that what is happening in Gaza is a political conflict, and that people are “misusing religion for their particular political aim”. It is important for religious leaders to weigh in on matters concerning people in their communities because their guidance has helped to foster and nurture religious harmony, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said. In response to TODAY’s queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that his remarks were not directed at any particular comment or incident.
The minister said this in a speech before a documentary screening organized by the Inter-Religious Organization (IRO). Titled Technologies of the Soul, it showcases the richness of Singapore’s religious landscape. Mr Shanmugam said that over the years, the IRO has organized many inter-religious dialogues and initiatives to “set the example at the highest levels of religious leadership” for Singaporeans, as well as to reinforce the importance of religious harmony. The screening takes place against the backdrop of the war between Israel and Hamas, which the minister noted has left more than 10,000 Palestinians dead and more than 1.5 million people displaced. “Given that religion is being invoked by many around the world, in this region, religious leaders and the IRO have a role and important duty to guide our communities,” he added. Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/religious-guidance-israel-hamas-war-shanmugam-2300531
