Archbishop sends message of reconciliation to Hindus for Diwali

By staff writers
2 Nov 2008

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has sent an annual message to Hindu communities in Britain for Diwali, the 'festival of lights', which is also marked by Sikhs and celebrates the victory of good over evil and hope over despair.

In his message Dr Williams expresses his hope for 'reconciliation where there has been division and hurt', for 'peace and the rejection of all resort to violence' and the appreciation and enjoyment of each other's festivals 'as a common sign to the world of our commitment to mutual goodwill and faith in each other.

The Archbishop also refers to his forthcoming visit to the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) temple near Walsall. Dr Williams has accepted the trustees' invitation to visit the temple as a sign of the 'celebration of friendship and the facing of challenges with hope' which was the theme of the Lambeth Inter Faith lecture given in April by the prominent Hindu scholar Professor Anantanand Rambachan.

Message