In an era where secularism and religious pluralism coexist, it is essential to uphold the sanctity of religious symbols and traditions.
Yet, time and again, we witness instances where sacred emblems are used frivolously or inappropriately, often in ways that undermine their true spiritual significance. Some recent incidents in Sri Lanka serve as stark reminders of this growing disregard: the use of a Cross in a parade by the students of a leading school before the big match on Ash Wednesday and a TV channel’s insensitivity in linking the Talawila shrine with a tragic accident involving pilgrims.
The Cross of Christ is not a toy
The Cross is the most sacred symbol of Christianity, representing the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. It is not an ornament for entertainment or a prop for secular festivities. The use of a Cross in a school parade, particularly on Ash Wednesday – a day of fasting, penance, and solemn reflection – demonstrates a profound lack of sensitivity. The day is meant for Christians to humble themselves before God, bearing the mark of ashes as a sign of repentance. To incorporate a sacred object into a jubilant, unrelated event mocks the faith of millions who hold it dear.
While youthful enthusiasm and school spirit are understandable, they must be exercised with respect for religious sentiments. Schools, especially those with a history of excellence, should inculcate values of cultural and religious awareness. Misusing sacred symbols fosters a culture of irreverence and insensitivity, also setting a poor example for future generations.
In the light of this incident, it is heartening to see the Principal of the said school take swift and responsible action.
His public apology and commitment to an investigation are highly praiseworthy and they clearly demonstrate essential qualities of true leadership and sincere respect for religious sentiments.
His willingness to address the concerns of the Christian community is a step towards healing and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Media responsibility and sensitivity
The media wields immense power in shaping public perception. Thus, it is deeply concerning when a reputable news channel chooses to air footage of the Talawila shrine and a part of the feast while reporting on an accident involving pilgrims returning from the holy site. The implicit connection between devotion and tragedy creates an unwarranted association, subtly implying that the pilgrimage itself was somehow linked to misfortune.
The Talawila shrine, dedicated to Saint Anne, is a place of deep spiritual significance for Catholics in Sri Lanka. Pilgrims travel there seeking God’s love, and the feast is a time of communal prayer, conversion, thanksgiving, and renewal of faith. To juxtapose such a sacred occasion with a distressing news report is not only irresponsible but also disrespectful.
Journalistic integrity and ethics demand more maturity and sensitivity when handling religious content, ensuring that faith is neither trivialised nor misrepresented.
A call for greater awareness and respect
Religious symbols and practices are not relics of the past; they are living testimonies of faith that deserve respect and reverence. In a multi-cultural society like Sri Lanka, respect for religious diversity must be a top priority. Educational institutions must instil in students a deeper understanding of faith-based traditions, preventing the misuse of sacred emblems. Similarly, media outlets must be more mindful of how they present religious imagery, avoiding contexts that could cause offensce or misinterpretation.
Christianity, like all other religions, calls for forgiveness. However, forgiveness does not mean silent acceptance of irreverence. These incidents should serve as a wake-up call for individuals and institutions alike. The sacred must remain sacred – not for entertainment, not for casual use, and certainly not for insensitive media framing.
Let us all take a step towards fostering a culture of respect, where all faiths are honoured and respected, not diminished.
Rev. Dr. Eymard Fernando
