One of our Anglican prison chaplains, Mrs Grace West, has just graduated from the Emouna Belgique course. Here are her impressions:
“It was a great privilege for me to have been part of the Emouna group for this academic year. Emouna is a course I would recommend for my colleagues who are involved in different ministries: it works to bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is a course that is very rich and instructive, with good speakers and with a well-organised committee. I am glad I accepted the proposal from the Anglican Church to join Emouna. The themes and trainings presented in Emouna address the challenges we face in our society today, as an individual or groups, and how we can all live together in unity, love and harmony. It also teaches about the importance of dialogue, respect and acceptance of others whose beliefs are different from ours. I was really touched from the beginning by the visits to all the different places of worships and by the warm fellowship. This prepared me/us mentally, morally and spiritually. It is very important to know, understand and accept others without any prejudice. The course is an ice-breaker! Emouna is also more like an eye-opener to me, as it helps one to see and know we can all live together in peace to make this world a better place for humanity. Emouna is all about dialogue, empathy, tolerance and love of others. Through Emouna, I have gained more knowledge and skills to help me in my ministry as a prison chaplain, as I continue to work with people of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. I was able to learn so much from all the different speakers on how our world functions today, understanding the relationship between religion and public and social life. Together, we can make this world a better place despite all our differences. Every one of us has a mission and contribution to make, for peace, unity, justice and love to reign in our world. Special thanks to the Central Committee and the Church for all the financial, spiritual and moral supports.” -Grace West