Letters to the Editor, February 12, 2013

Religion is probably not the first thing that comes to mind for most people when thinking of Hong Kong. But for the three of us, as leaders in our respective religious communities, religion defines Hong Kong.

From our perspective, Hong Kong is not only "Asia's world city", it is also a beacon of inter-religious co-operation. An atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect among faith communities has been carefully and consistently cultivated here for many years.

We each seek to shape our respective faith communities into spaces that are tolerant, accepting and supportive of the right of belief and practice of the others. It is this spirit of openness that is a very special aspect of life in Hong Kong.

We readily acknowledge that there are real, and sometimes painful, religious, cultural and political differences among us. But in the face of these challenges, we continue to affirm and act on our determination that Hong Kong will remain a city open to the rich variety of religious expression.

In this regard, we deeply appreciate the sincere efforts of local institutions of higher learning that have supplied a platform for the promotion of peaceful coexistence through interfaith dialogue.

Such efforts provide students and others with opportunities for public forums in which religious responses to the critical issues of our world may be discussed openly and respectfully. In sponsoring such discussions, it is incumbent upon the host institutions to ensure that those taking part are concerned primarily with interfaith understanding and co-operation, and do not use these public venues to promote narrow and divisive agendas under a banner of academic tolerance.