The Harmony of Faiths Singapore exhibition traces the history of the IRO since it was founded in 1949, documenting the work of its members in promoting inter-faith harmony even prior to Singapore’s independence. The exhibition aims to engage the public through interactive games that test the knowledge of religions such as guessing the symbols of the religions. The visitors also share their personal experiences of religious harmony in Singapore on the feature wall.
ESM Goh said “Religious diversity often leads to differences and conflict, at the individual, community and national level. In Singapore, we have worked hard at all levels to turn our religious diversity into our strength. Our basic tenet or ‘religion’ is to respect and honour each other as human beings, whatever the race, language or religion. The IRO has contributed to this process. I urge more religious leaders to join the IRO to enhance its and their own reach and influence.”
Mr Benjamin said: “The Harmony of Faiths Singapore Exhibition highlights the good work done by our pioneers to develop friendship among members of diverse religions in Singapore. In this bicentennial year, we reflect on how far Singapore has come to be a model for religious harmony and the good work IRO has done in this regard. Looking ahead, we are gearing up for deeper and sustained engagement with the community regards inter-faith understanding and harmony and will soon announce a major initiative to this end.”
The exhibition held at the concourse of Far East Plaza is open to public from 11am to 8pm every day until 31st March 2019. Free guided tours are available.
ABOUT HARMONY OF FAITHS SINGAPORE EXHIBITION
18 – 31 March 2019, 11am – 8pm
Far East Plaza
Concourse @ Level 2
14 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228213
Held in Conjunction with Singapore Heritage Festival
In support of SG Bicentennial
Supported by Far East Organization and Far East Plaza
The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) has been actively building friendship and trust between Singapore’s diversity of religions. Through the fellowship of religious leaders since its founding 70 years ago in 1949, IRO has spearheaded peaceful interfaith relations to help bring about religious harmony in Singapore. Thus the IRO, a non-government organisation, has had significant impact on the development of multicultural, multiracial, multilingual and multi-religious Singapore.
From the chaos after the Second World War to the present, the IRO and its members have cultivated harmony between followers of the many faiths in the island state of Singapore. Whether practising ancient or younger faiths, Singapore’s IRO brings together followers of major religions; Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Baha’i Faith are represented.
In this IRO 70th anniversary exhibition titled “Harmony of Faiths Singapore”, the history of the IRO is retold with references to the pioneering work of the IRO leaders from before Singapore’s struggle for independence to the trailblazing energy of a young nation set for success. The work of the IRO has helped to unify Singapore especially through troubled times and challenges.
The IRO legacy of religious harmony and its continuing activities steward an essential way of life in Singapore and an indelible part of Singaporean national culture and social inheritance. For the first time, the different aspects of IRO’s work on religious harmony are presented as a unified show to reach out to our ultimate beneficiaries – everyone without exception, including a new generation of Singapore youth.
The exhibition is connected by these following themes:
- Fellowship – a historic section that presents the IRO’s work at a national/international level
- Growth – the section that connects IRO’s activities to society
- Sharing – the key takeaways for young generations that do not know life without harmony
The exhibition also displays the ten religions of IRO – Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Baha’i Faith.
Social Media Hashtag: #harmonyoffaiths_sg
ABOUT INTER-RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION SINGAPORE
The Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO) was founded in 1949 with the objective to promote inter-religious harmony among the various religious groups in Singapore.
Ten (10) religions are represented in the IRO; Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Islam, Sikh and Baha’i. A unique rotating annual presidency among the ten religions ensures that all member religions are given an equal opportunity to lead the IRO’s long-term efforts. For more information visit www.iro.sg
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Nazhath Faheema
General Manager
faheema@iro.sg