CoexiStory

18/05/2020

"Our voice has been clear, calling for solidarity, unity and hope."

Amidst the destruction of the of COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations chief expressed concern over a lack of “sufficient solidarity” with the world’s developing countries, that need support in responding to the worst economic and social crisis in generations.

14/02/2020

“In the flush of love’s light, we dare be brave. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are, and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.”

— Maya Angelou

“In the flush of love’s light, we dare be brave. And suddenly we see that love costs all we are, and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.” — Maya Angelou It is easy to look a…

11/02/2020

Apart from the infections, deaths, economic impact, and other shockwaves caused by the novel coronavirus around the world, xenophobia has also become an issue. In many parts of the globe, many individuals of Asian descent have reported cases of unwarranted racism in public. These come at a time of already brewing tension between locals and migrants from mainland China - such as in this perspective from the Philippines.

In Manila, Philippines, a young woman on her daily commute makes her way through the crowded train carefully. Nearly everyone’s eyes are on her; they scrutinize her face, her complexion, and her ch…

07/02/2020

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” - Charles Dickens

In this list, we tackled several stand-up comedians from diverse backgrounds, and how their brands of comedy have transcended and broken barriers through the unavoidable power of laughter 👏👏

One of the most important ways a group of diverse and different people can come together in harmony is through the sharing of stories. In the shared experience of storytelling, laughter is one of t…

03/02/2020

"He redirected much of the reborn nation’s oil revenues into development and progress, promoted workforce equality between men and women, instituted freedom of religion (even funding the construction of several Catholic churches), established its own national currency, and changed the way people view the nation of Oman—from a backwards and medieval to a beacon of progress and leadership."

The late Sultan came to rule Oman in 1970, following his father, the Sultan Said bin Taimur, whose rule had nearly brought the citizens of the then-known Muscat and Oman to their knees. Muscat and …

02/12/2019

Last week, Pope Francis gave an impassioned speech in Japan calling on young people to embrace diversity in a world increasingly marred by conflict, divisiveness, hatred, and fear.

"[Humans] were not mass-produced on an assembly line. Each one comes from the love of their parents and their family, and so each of us is different, each one has a story to share. We need to grow in fraternity, in concern for others and respect for different experiences and points of view!"

Read more in the story below.

In a visit to Japan from November 23-26, 2019, the leader of the global Catholic Church gave an astounding speech on a topic that touches on critical issues such as immigration, political polarizat…

28/11/2019

"Let us examine our attitude toward peace itself. Too many of us think it is impossible. Too many think it unreal. But that is a dangerous, defeatist belief. It leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable – that mankind is doomed – that we are gripped by forces we cannot control. We need not accept that view. Our problems are manmade – therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man’s reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable – and we believe they can do it again."

56 years ago, former US President John F. Kennedy delivered a commencement speech at the American University, Washington, D.C. that would go on to become one of the most iconic speeches on the topi…

27/11/2019

"There are few words more loaded, disputed, and colorful as peace. The word likely conjures different interpretations and imageries in each of us, but what do well-known historical figures think?"

There are few words more loaded, disputed, and colorful as peace. The word likely conjures different interpretations and imageries in each of us, but what do well-known historical figures think? He…

14/11/2019

"Let us continue to challenge discriminatory rhetoric and predispositions regarding migrants. We are not burdens but rather assets to the UK economy, and social and political environments."

Please send your letters to [email protected]

14/11/2019

CoexiStory exists because of the generosity of the people who share stories that bring small – but not insignificant – points of light to a world besieged by darkness.

Share your story of coexistence, peace, and unity amid diversity today.

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”Anne Frank CoexiStory exists because of the generosity of the people who share stories that bring small – but n…

14/11/2019

"In so doing, the motivation should always be on the search for common grounds leading to peace and harmony rather than the adoption of an attitude of supremacy or domination of one faith over another."

Diversity in faiths should not hinder peace and inclusive development in any society. Interfaith respect counters violent extremism by balancing universal values - like kindness - with religious beliefs.

Yet how do we promote this interfaith respect?

The Buddhist monk K. Sri Dhammananda answers this question by saying, "…measures to help create a better inter-religious understanding and mutual regard for one another would be the setting up of inter-religious organisations catering for the holding of regular lectures, talks, discussions, seminars and forums on religions and allied subjects. In so doing, the motivation should always be on the search for common grounds leading to peace and harmony rather than the adoption of an attitude of supremacy or domination of one faith over another.”

What are your thoughts on interfaith respect and understanding?

(Read the full text of the excerpt above here: http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books6/Bhante_Dhammananda_Religion_in_a_Multi_Religious_Society.pdf)

14/11/2019

"Only a cohesive society built upon mutual trust can harness the strength of its diversity, so that its people can build a better future.” - President Halimah Yacob of Singapore

"Only a cohesive society built upon mutual trust can harness the strength of its diversity, so that its people can build a better future.” - President Halimah Yacob

President Halimah delivered the Opening Address at the ICCS.

14/11/2019

"At that moment, while watching them from afar, a realization dawned on me that the most important lesson a teacher could ever impart to his students cannot be found in books shelved in the library but in his heart. This is what I particularly love about this profession that I have embraced without hesitation."

I held back my tears.

14/11/2019

"West London Synagogue has always been really inclusive, really welcoming. Obviously as a Muslim, there are strong similarities (in our faiths) which really comes across in the service itself: where we can join in prayers, talking about God being One."

British Muslims, Christians, and those of other faiths and none joined an open day at the West London Synagogue in London to celebrate a Shabbat Morning Service as part of Sukkot, which means a Festival of

31/10/2019