by SS Sham Kaur Khalsa, La Paz, Bolivia
2024 (Third Quarter)
As Sikhs, our active participation in interreligious dialogues around the world is nourished by the inclusive teachings of our faith. In 2023, I had the honor of experiencing this firsthand in Bolivia, where I joined as a Sikh Minister with representatives from various religious traditions to promote peace and mutual understanding.
The interreligious dialogue in Bolivia brings together Catholics, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Zen Buddhists, Lutherans, Bahá’ís, and Sikhs. Although our Sikh community is relatively small in Bolivia, we share our commitment to equality and justice in this diverse forum. This participation aligns perfectly with Sikh principles of recognizing the divine light in all beings and respecting different paths to spirituality.
On September 21, 2023, the “Interreligious Meeting for Peace” took place, organized by the Bolivian Interreligious Dialogue. The event was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz, Bolivia.
It’s important to highlight the role of women as spiritual leaders in this group. The presence of women ministers, nuns, and leaders like myself brings a fundamental balance to our discussions and joint work.
The main objectives of the Bolivian interreligious dialogue are closely aligned with our Sikh principles. We share common values such as compassion, justice, and solidarity, which resonate across religious boundaries. We participate in joint prayers and peace petitions, such as the Peace Prayer Day held at the Cathedral in La Paz, with the presence of diplomatic representatives and the mayor, and another similar event in Plaza Humbolt. On these occasions, we join other religions in shared spiritual practices, embodying our belief in the unity of humanity.
Furthermore, we contribute to collective declarations that promote peace and denounce violence, reflecting our faith’s commitment to social harmony.
Participating in these interreligious dialogues presents both challenges and opportunities. We must maintain our distinct identity while fostering unity. Yet we must address misunderstandings about our religion and balance tradition with the need for open dialogue. These situations also provide us with the opportunity to educate others about Sikh principles and practices, learn from diverse spiritual traditions, and contribute to efforts of social cohesion and peace-building.
Yoko, Zen Buddhist nun, and SS Sham Kaur Khalsa, Sikh Dharma Minister.
The experience in Bolivia demonstrates that when Sikhs join hands with other religions, we create a powerful force for positive change. This collaborative approach echoes the Sikh concept of ‘Sarbat da bhala’ or ‘May everyone be blessed,’ showing how interreligious dialogue can transform religious differences into opportunities for unity and peace.
As a Sikh, I am deeply inspired by this experience in Bolivia. It reminds us that our teachings on equality, service, and the unity of all creation have a transformative power when applied in the context of interreligious dialogue. I invite all my Sikh brothers and sisters to seek out and create similar opportunities in their own communities, so that together we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world.
Featured Photo: In a significant gathering on the afternoon of October 27, 2023, the members of the Interreligious Dialogue in Bolivia gathered at Plaza Humboldt in the city of La Paz, joining in prayers, supplications, and petitions according to their respective religious traditions, praying for peace in the world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SS Sham Kaur Khalsa serves as Co- President of the Siri Singh Sahib Board of Directors. She is a climate change specialist with 20-plus years of experience, focusing on mitigation and income generation mechanisms. She has developed strategic visions for forests and climate change at national and subnational levels. Sham Kaur has consulted for the United Nations and the World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean and currently leads an environmental consulting firm, Servicios Ambientales S.A. As a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, she has served on the Global Teachers Council (GTC) and as Regional Coordinator of Ministers for Sikh Dharma International, supporting the Office of the Secretary of Religion in Latin America.
