POSTED: Monday, Nov 27, 2006

Chaplain Carries Invitation of Peace and Dialogue to the East African Islands

Story by U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj) Steve O’Brien

COMOROS ISLANDS (November 2, 2006) -- Chaplain Ronnie King, meets with the Grand Mufti of Comoros, and Mohamed Ahmed cabinet director for the Grand Mufti. On this trip Chaplain King worked to promote inter-religious understanding and add to the tools that diplomacy can employ for peace.(Courtesy Photo) (Large Image.   Hi-Res Image.)

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – U.S. Navy Chaplain (Capt.) Ronnie King, Combined Joint Task Forces – Horn of Africa command chaplain, traveled throughout the Islands of Comoros and Seychelles November 6-20, 2006, meeting with various East African religious leaders.  The purpose of the trip was to encourage dialogue and understanding among the various faith group leaders.

The invitation was sent to a diverse group of religious leaders -- from Christian, Islamic and Hindu -- but, according to Chaplain King, the message was the same: Working together to bring peace and understanding between people.

The two-week trip began at the U.S. Embassy to Mauritius, where the chaplain spoke to religious and government leaders about learning to talk to one another without fear of difference. 

“Chaplain King’s words were the highlight of the evening,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius Cesar Cabrara. “U.S. Navy Senior Chaplain, Captain Ronnie King, drew on his relationships with other military chaplains and his work for the Combined Joint Task force-Horn of Africa, to speak movingly on the need for respect and dialogue among religious leaders.”

Chaplain King’s noted that his visits were to inspire communication and unity of purpose. 

“I would love to see all of the religious leaders that I visit under one roof, respecting each other’s differences and yet communicating a common peaceful solution for their people,” said the chaplain. “A religious leader conference would be a first step to accomplish this.”

The Grand Mufti in Comoros, who spoke with Chaplain King, suggested a similar common-goal sentiment. 

“[As] a religious person, it is our mission to praise peace around the world,” said the Grand Mufti. “Education is a most important step toward that peace.  In my travels, I will spread this message around the world.”

Chaplain King asked each leader if they would consider coming to a Religious Leaders Conference where they could discuss how they might go about reaching this common goal.  Some were favorable to finding a neutral place where they might all meet together. 

“This kind of dialogue is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the war against terror still rages,” said Chaplain King. “We should begin the dialogue here, where there is a significant chance for peaceful relationships.”

Chaplain King spoke to over 20 religious leaders in the island area regarding the work to be accomplished both in the Island and the Horn of Africa.