Beneath our beliefs: The unseen work that goes into conducting inter-religious prayers

The 10 religious leaders on stage during IRO’s National Day Observance Prayers and Blessings Ceremony.

Have you noticed the interfaith prayer ceremony occasionally at official events? Led by religious leaders from 10 different faiths, these ceremonies are the work of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO). Led by the current president, Mr Gurmit Singh, the organisation works hard behind the scenes to maintain and promote religious harmony in Singapore. We spoke to Mr Singh who has been with the non-governmental inter-faith institution since he was 19 years old.

One organisation, 10 different ways of prayers

Religious leaders during the Prayers and Blessings Ceremony.

As a boy, Mr Singh remembers religious leaders of diverse faiths coming and going from his home. His father, the late Dr Mehervan Singh, was one of the organisation’s founders. Back then, members would take turns volunteering their homes and places of worship as venues for meetings.

The Inter-Religious Organisation was founded 75 years ago and consists of individuals practising the Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Baha’i faiths. Being exposed to a multi-faith setting allowed young Gurmit to consider different perspectives of looking at things.

One similarity he observed among the IRO’s 10 participating faiths is that they all emphasise harmony and look into the love for humanity.

“Which religion teaches us to be bad? None. After having a conversation, many realise ‘Eh, we are about the same.’”

Having grown up in such an environment, it was a natural step for Mr Singh to join the organisation in 1968.

The importance of religious harmony in Singapore

Mr Singh giving an opening address.

During his previous run as IRO’s President in 2015, Mr Singh was a pallbearer at Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s funeral. Like the late Minister Mentor, Mr Singh is adamant Singapore needs to maintain racial and religious harmony for the country to prosper. In part, this is due to his own experience with the Communal Riots of 1964.

During the racial riots, Mr Singh’s father was given the licence to mediate outside curfew hours. The violence, fear, and uncertainty left an indelible impression on the then-Secondary 2 student. From the experience, Mr Singh learnt that before any religious conflict escalates, it has to be nipped in the bud.

“Singaporeans take our religious harmony for granted sometimes. But we need to prepare for religious crises, should they happen. The effort must be both top-down and bottom-up – ground sentiments need to be considered hand-in-hand with any policies enacted.”

To do away with the misconceptions that people might harbour, we must build bridges so there is a common understanding. If people are unsure about religious practices or have questions, we shouldn't be afraid to answer them. This way, we can help Singapore’s harmony.”

Following this principle, the IRO sparks conversations on managing different ethnic and religious practices. Topics such as why Taoists burn joss sticks and effigies during the Hungry Ghost

Festival and why Hindus ring bells in temples are discussed. By finding out what and why there are differences, non-practitioners become more open to other views and practices.

What happens during an inter-faith prayer ceremony

A representative from the Baha’i Faith saying a prayer during IRO’s National Day Observance event.

Another way of spreading awareness of inter-religious harmony in Singapore is through inter-faith blessings, through IRO’s Prayer and Blessing ceremony.

Ever since IRO’s conception, the organisation has graced government and commercial initiatives with its prayer ceremonies. At a ceremony, each religious leader will take turns to say a prayer. A verse can be read from each faith’s prayer book. Sometimes, a full prayer is said out loud; other times, a shorter, silent one is made.

Prayers are made in this order, from the oldest to the most recent religion known to man: blessings in Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and finally, the Baha'i faith. Each ceremony’s length depends on the organiser’s preference and is conducted without monetary compensation.

Some companies request specific faiths. But the IRO’s stance is if they are engaged, all 10 faiths must be involved. If a particular faith cannot make the date – like when the Jewish rest on the Sabbath – a date change is requested, should it be possible.

“When people see this, it makes a big impact. People will talk and say, ‘Wow, you’ve got these 10 various faiths to do the blessing.’”

From tolerance to acceptance

Members from different religious groups interacting with one another.

The IRO also collaborates with other organisations to facilitate multi-religious interactions and performs conflict resolution. However, it cannot solve every dispute completely.

Having a successful mediation without having it become emotionally charged is the main challenge. Jumping to conclusions and making negative snap judgements also impedes constructive discussion. Ultimately, individuals can hold onto their opinions but must remain open to opposing views.

Still, Mr Singh remains encouraged. In the past 10 to 15 years, he has noticed a shift from religious tolerance to religious acceptance amongst the public. When disagreements happen, more are approaching the conversation from a perspective of problem-solving and wanting to learn.

“We've come a long way from just tolerance to acceptance, but there is no endpoint. If we are going to carry on this legacy, we need the young involved. Only by keeping the interfaith spirit alive can we sustain our peace and harmony. It is an uphill path, but it is working.”