17 March 2023: Bangui, Central African Republic: Association Nationale des Scouts de Centrafrique (ANSCA), a potential member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is from 17th to 19th March 2023 hosting the 1st Africa Scout Interreligious Symposium at the JM Residences, Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). The theme for the event is “Together for peace and the well-being of society.”
The Interreligious Symposium is founded on the fundamental principles of Scouting of Duty to God (adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom), Duty to others (loyalty to one’s country in harmony with the promotion of local, national, and international peace, understanding and cooperation; and participation in the development of society with recognition and respect for the dignity of humanity and for the integrity of the natural world), and Duty to self (responsibility for the development of oneself).
Organised by the Africa Scout Region, the event brings together religious leaders who are interested in or already involved in supporting the spiritual development dimension of Scouting as a way of fostering dialogue, peace, and social cohesion. The event is organised under the auspices of His Excellency Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic.
A country which has recently experienced violence with strong religious undertones, Central African Republic was chosen to host the first edition of this symposium in recognition of the contributions of the country’s Scouts in the promotion of dialogue, peace, and social cohesion through their project “Bâtir la Paix en Centrafrique” as well as in support of their efforts to re-join WOSM, the worldwide fraternity of Scouting. The symposium will also contribute to growing Scouting among religious communities in the Central African Republic and beyond.
During the symposium, participants will share best practices on intercultural and interreligious dialogue within Scouting, undergo training on intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and develop action steps for integrating practical lessons into intercultural and interreligious activities locally, regionally, and globally.
Scouting has a track record of bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds to contribute to the creation of a better world. Building on its shared values and sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, Scouting continues to bridge differences and make diversity a source of massive strength and energy instead of a source of division and violence.
Among the key guests and participants attending the event include Ministers from the Government of CAR, Christian and Muslim religious leaders, representatives of organizations with consultative status with the World Scout Committee, local Scout leaders and representatives of the World Scout Bureau Africa Support Centre.
You can follow updates online using the hashtags: #ScoutInterreligiousSymposium, #ASIS2023
