On Thursday 16 March, the Senior School held a special chapel in commemoration of Human Rights Day. The theme for the chapel was taken from the Declaration on Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue:

Acknowledging that despite the many…theological and religious differences and disagreements between Judaism, Christianity and Islam, there is nevertheless a central and essential common ground of faith, hope and love between these three monotheistic and Abrahamic religions –… – in the greatest Two Commandments of Love of God and Love of the Neighbour (Matthew 22:34-40 and Mark 12:29-31), however differently they are understood;

And from St Mary’s statement on the Christian identity and ethos of St Mary’s

The overall development of each girl will be based on the values and virtues of the school’s Christian tradition, summed up in the first two Biblical commandments: to love God and to love one’s neighbour. These commandments encompass the values of truth and justice, service and duty, respect, trust and forgiveness.

Although the declaration is focused on the three Abrahamic faiths, we recognise that Africa is a continent of many faiths. As this was our first chapel in this format, we limited our focus to the messages from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and African Traditional Religion(s).

A recurring theme in the reflections was how the love of God is expressed in the love of neighbour and the importance of being good stewards of creation.

The school is committed to embodying Jesus’ love for all and his refusal to treat as “other” those whom the society of his day marginalised. Thus, and in line with the school’s commitment to be a South African school, St Mary’s seeks to encourage respect for and understanding of a rich and vibrant diversity within its community, on the part of girls, parents and staff.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN