Dialogue and fraternity: the keys to a world in peace
Gérard Testard’s third chronicle focuses on a fundamental and universal subject: peace. He expresses the need for a collective commitment to build a pacified world, insisting on the importance of interreligious dialogue and fraternity. His intervention is based on several major axes: individual and collective responsibility in the face of peace, the role of interreligious dialogue, the need to go beyond fears and prejudices, and the importance of concrete actions in favor of harmonious coexistence. Gérard Testard is a member of the association “Ensemble with Marie” which “brings together Christians and Muslims from all horizons, wishing to participate in the construction of a civilization based on love and peace, in respect of the identity of each”
Report of the Gérard Testard chronicle
Peace, a universal issue
Gérard Testard begins by recalling that peace does not only concern leaders and powerful, but that it is a question that challenges each of us. In a global context marked by many conflicts, he insists that each citizen has a role to play. He rejects the idea that peace is limited to a simple absence of war or violence and stresses that it must be active, built by bonds of fraternity and mutual understanding.
“Together with Marie”: a movement in the service of peace
The speaker then presents the movement “Ensemble with Marie”, of which he is a part. This movement has a vocation both spiritual, popular and citizenaimed at promoting dialogue and fraternity between Christians and Muslims. He organizes various events, ranging from interreligious meetings to actions carried out in prisons and schools.
The purpose of these initiatives is not to impose a belief or convince, but rather to allow participants to exchange and discover themselves through their spiritual and citizen values. This dialogue is not reserved for intellectuals or theologians, but it must involve all the components of society, in an approach accessible to all.
Peace in religious traditions
To illustrate the importance of peace in major religious traditions, Gérard Testard quotes two sacred texts:
- In the KoranSurah al-Baqara invites believers to get in peace completely.
- In the Biblethe apostle Paul defines the kingdom of God by justice, peace and joy.
These references show that peace is an ideal common to great religions, and that it can be a land of unity between believers of different confessions.
Building common to overcome fears
One of the central points of discourse is the idea that peace cannot exist without a real will to Create common Between individuals. The speaker warns against withdrawal on oneself and the inter-self, which promote ignorance and prejudices, often sources of fear and violence.
He quotes the philosopher François Jullien, who affirms that “creating common, it is not to seek the smallest common denominator between us, but being able to enter into relationship”. In other words, what unites people is not the removal of differences, but the ability to exchange and build together despite them.
By promoting meetings, discussions and collective actions, we reduce fears linked to the unknown and promote lasting peace.
Everyone’s role in promoting peace
Gérard Testard insists that peace begins at a personal and daily level. Rather than wondering what society can bring us, it proposes to question what we can offer to others.
This involves simple actions:
- Reconcile with loved ones
- Bring a soothing word in his entourage
- Open up to others, especially those who come from a different culture or religion
This individual and collective work helps build a real peace culture.
A concrete example: after the assassination of Samuel Paty
To illustrate the importance of dialogue and solidarity, Gérard Testard shares a lived experience after the assassination of Samuel Paty. During a demonstration in tribute to the teacher, Muslim friends wanted to participate while being accompanied by their veiled relatives. Fearing possible tensions, the “Ensemble with Marie” movement organized a supervision and launched an appeal on social networks.
The rally took place in a spirit of exchange and dialogue, allowing participants to discuss and better understand the sensitivities of each. This event well illustrates the way in which local and concrete initiatives can help strengthen social peace and mutual understanding.
Hospitality, a key to peace
The speaker concludes his intervention by evoking hospitality as an essential value to build peace. He emphasizes that when individuals and societies choose fraternity, they open the way to a harmonious coexistence and restorative justice.
He also recalls that to be a peaceful craftsman, it is essential to be in peace internally. It is by being rooted in his own values, in his own faith, and having a serene identity that one can go to meet the other without fear or distrust.
Conclusion
Gérard Testard’s speech is a strong call for individual and collective responsibility in the construction of peace. It highlights the importance of interreligious dialogue, fraternity and meeting with the other as means of going beyond tensions and building a more peaceful society.
Through concrete actions and a daily commitment, everyone can help bring out a real peace culturebased on mutual understanding and hospitality. Ultimately, peace is not only a distant ideal, but a reality that we all have the power to influence by our words and our actions.
