There are many religious institutions around the world dedicated to interreligious dialogue. However, their impact on societies and national and international policies is quite limited. Several factors contribute to this situation.
On one hand, religious leaders are often criticized for not taking firm action against instances of sexual, financial, and various forms of abuse occurring within their institutions. This has led to a decline in their credibility, as they have lost the trust of their congregations.
On the other hand, their positions regarding conflicts are not always conciliatory. In fact, they can often be aggressive. Interreligious dialogues are frequently constrained and lack the courage necessary for meaningful engagement.
Religions have lost the vital inspiration needed to ignite a sense of purpose in those seeking values that dignify life. To illustrate this point, I share a telegram sent by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel to President John F. Kennedy on June 16, 1963, in response to an invitation to the White House. At that time, Kennedy was attempting to dissuade Martin Luther King, Jr. from proceeding with the planned March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Heschel, a friend of King and a supporter of the civil rights movement, marched alongside him from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama.
The text of the telegram is as follows:
I look forward to privilege of being present at meeting tomorrow four pm likelihood exists that Negro problem will be like the weather. Everybody talks about it but no body [sic] does anything about it. Please demand of religious leaders personal involvement not just solemn declaration. We forfeit right to worship God as long as we [continue to] humiliate Negroes. Church [and] synagogue have failed. [They] must repent. Ask of religious leaders to call for national repentance and personal sacrifice. Let religious leaders donate [one] month’s salary toward fund for Negro housing and education. I propose that you Mr. President declare [a] state of moral emergency. A Marshall Plan for aid to Negroes is becoming a necessity. The hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.
