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this new phenomenon must be called money-religion. In money-
religion, people are prepared to spend on the average US$ 349,000
(based on 2005 statistics) to convert a person. T he We must always
Global Ethic be mindful that any
Money-religion is upsetting the social and religious demography ethical codes, no
in many parts of the world. It de-stabilises societies, sometimes Declaration and matter how well
even causing violence amongst the people there. In all sincerity, we
must ask ourselves, are we really helping those poor souls living The Teaching of formulated, are by
in underdeveloped countries, or do we have a bigger, but not so nature abstract and
religious agenda, behind? Already this problem is disrupting the Common Values absolute. When applied
peace and harmony of certain societies. Are we prepared to tackle to real life situations,
this issue? problems are bound to

arise.
Conclusion

Peace among religions is possible if we are prepared to deal
with the issues in a sincere and honest manner. Followers of The Global Ethic, adopted in the form of a Declaration
religions must begin the journey of peace by first destroying the Towards a Global Ethic by the Parliament of World’s Religion on
weapons of mass destruction within our minds, and believe in what Sept. 4, 1993, was based on one vision, which is “No peace among
we professed to believe. We must be prepared to diminish the self the nations without peace among the religions; no peace among
and embrace others, so as to cut across religious barriers. These the religions without dialogue between religions; and no dialogue
are our internal duties. Our external duties include taking action between the religions without global ethical standards.” This vision
against all forms of violence and resolving the structural problems clearly underlines the importance of having a global ethic.
that perpetuate injustice, conflict, and violence.
Religion is one of the major contributory factors, along with
politics, economics, and the environment, in shaping major events
in the world. As such, there is a need to ensure that religions play a
(Speech at an interfaith forum held at Petaling Jaya, Malaysia on 17-3-2007
positive rather than a negative role. Many conflicts and bloodshed
have occurred due to attempts by religions to dominate one
another. If no positive steps are taken to prevent such conflicts from
happening, it will continue in the future.

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