European Commission and Parliament snub Hindus in dialogue with leaders of various faiths

Hindus are perturbed for not being invited by presidents of European Commission and Parliament along with representatives of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism for a meeting on May 11 in Brussels to discuss ethical contributions for economic governance.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was clearly an insult to European and world Hindus at the hands of Commission and Parliament, the highest governing bodies of Europe, who chose to completely ignore them. It was a step-motherly treatment.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and European Union should take it seriously. An estimated two million Hindus reside in Europe where every country has some Hindu presence.

Rajan Zed further said that Hindus had made a positive contribution to the multi-cultural society of Europe. They believed in peaceful coexistence, and respect for all religions, traditions, beliefs, and cultures. Europe should give due respect to its Hindu brothers and sisters which they well deserved.

Zed argued that idea of Commission and Parliament to have dialogue with leaders of various faiths was highly commendable but framing and implementation lacked its real spirit of inclusiveness. “Are Hindus not covered under European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which includes ‘dignity’ and ‘equality’,” Rajan Zed asked.

Invitees reportedly included representatives of: Anglican Church (1), Churches of the Reformation (3), Conference of European Churches (1), Islamic Communities (4), Jewish Leaders (1), Orthodox Churches (4), Roman Catholic Church (4). The meeting was co-chaired by President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering. Discussions centered around the “Economic and financial crisis: ethical contributions for European and global economic governance”, where Barroso reportedly talked about “sense of responsibility” and Pöttering underlined “ensure that all parts of our society are cared for”. -Sampurn

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Tags: Christianity, European Commission, Islam, Judaism, Rajan Zed

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