In an effort to address the pressing issue of religious discrimination and promote peace and unity within the community, Dutsen Kura Youth Interfaith Group in the Bassa local government area of Plateau State has partnered with the Rural Communities Development Network (RURCON) to organize a town hall meeting at YWAM 1.

The event, held on September 1, brought together diverse group of community leaders, religious figures, and participants eager to tackle the challenges of religious discrimination.

The Dutsen Kura Youth Lead, Atina Joseph Adick in his  welcome remarks expressed the meeting’s purpose.

He said, “The purpose of this interfaith gathering is to discuss the issue of religious discrimination, themed ‘Say No to Religious Discrimination and Violence.’ We have collaborated with JISRA through RURCON, engaging in activities such as sensitization in primary schools and capacity-building training for peaceful coexistence. Today, we gather our elders, religious leaders, and village heads to guide us in our journey towards a more harmonious community.”

Mr. Jallang David, PGM facilitator for the Dutsen Kura community gave an overview on the participatory grantmaking initiative that lead to the organization of the town hall meeting by members of the community.

He said, “The town hall meeting aimed to highlight the importance of participatory grantmaking (PGM)  in the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) and its role in transforming power dynamics within the community. Participatory grantmaking empowers local partners and communities to make funding decisions, shifting them from mere beneficiaries to leaders and decision-makers in their own right.”

Ten respected figures from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds addressed the participants:

• Alhajern Muhammed, an Imam, emphasized the true teachings of Islam, urging all to live in peace regardless of religious differences. He denounced those who incite violence in the name of religion, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith.

• Patric Anchuk, a Reverend, highlighted the biblical mandate to live in peace with one another, stating that unity is central to Christianity. He reminded attendees that salvation demands loving one’s neighbor and even enemies.
• Abubakar Yunusi, another Imam, stressed the common origin of both religions and the need to fear God. He called for the immediate resolution of misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Pastor Joseph Auta urged attendees to extend love and forgiveness to all, regardless of their religious beliefs. He emphasized that this commandment applies to everyone, not just fellow Christians.

• Ingmala Auibine, a village head, shared how peaceful coexistence had been a longstanding tradition in the community. He encouraged attendees to let go of differences, resolve conflicts, and share their newfound knowledge with others.
• Ardo Wada called for unity, emphasizing that God created everyone with the same characteristics. He cautioned against being used for political purposes, as it only leads to more suffering.
• Rev. Musa Ugino underscored the responsibility of religious and community leaders in promoting peace. He urged them to stay true to their pursuit of peace and avoid propagating personal interests.

• John Adeupe, a ward head, reminded the audience of generations of peaceful coexistence in the community. He warned against falling victim to politicians’ divisive strategies.
• Ardo Bako questioned why people would discriminate based on religion when they didn’t consider it in other aspects of life, such as medical treatment or transportation. He labeled religious discrimination as childish.

During a Q&A session, participants inquired about the root causes of religious discrimination and its link to politics. The panel addressed the issue of fake clerics spreading false doctrines for personal gain and how poverty could be exploited by politicians to create division.

The leaders offered a way forward, highlighting the importance of forgiveness, upholding true religious teachings, avoiding excessive drinking, and educating oneself to identify fake religious leaders and doctrines.

At the end of the meeting the Field Officer for the initiative, Onuche Ocheja commended the Dutsen Kura community for organizing the town hall meeting and encouraged attendees to become humanitarians rather than promoting religious or ethnic propaganda.

The community’s women leader, Mrs. Blessing, expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged to share the message of peace in their respective places of worship and communities