Asian interfaith leaders caution against political misuse of religion

Bangkok, November 22, Interfax – A broad interfaith coalition representing Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu communities across Southeast Asia has voiced concern over what it calls the “intensifying politicization of religion” ahead of several major elections scheduled for 2025. The statement was released following a regional conference held in Bangkok on Friday.

According to the organizers, participants reviewed recent campaign speeches, social media trends, and public rallies in multiple countries, noting a significant increase in rhetoric designed to appeal to voters along religious lines.

“Political actors are increasingly tempted to portray themselves as defenders of a particular faith, which may bring short-term gains but risks long-term instability,” said Venerable Somchai Rattanaporn, a senior Buddhist representative from Thailand. “When religious identity becomes a political tool, communities start seeing each other as opponents rather than neighbors.”

Muslim scholars at the conference emphasized that similar trends have appeared in their communities. Dr. Farid Hamzah from Malaysia warned that inflammatory slogans circulating online create divisions not only between religious groups but also within them. “People begin to doubt one another’s loyalty and values. This is extremely dangerous for social harmony,” he said.

Christian leaders also noted that churches in the region are observing higher levels of tension among young people, especially on social networks. “Online debates turn into hostility very quickly. Many posts rely on misinformation or manipulated emotions,” said Reverend Maria Dacosta of the Philippines.

Representatives of Hindu organizations echoed the concern, stating that political groups in some areas are exploiting religious tradition to justify aggressive narratives. “Misusing sacred history for electoral gain trivializes our beliefs,” said Anil Deshmukh, a delegate from Singapore.

During the conference, experts presented case studies showing how politically charged religious messaging has contributed to outbreaks of violence in past elections. They urged governments to adopt balanced public-information campaigns and to monitor hate speech more effectively.

The coalition encouraged political candidates to focus on economic and social issues rather than competing through identity-based appeals. “Leaders should unite their citizens, not divide them,” Rattanaporn said.

In its final declaration, the interfaith coalition called on regional governments, civil-society groups, and religious institutions to collaborate on promoting responsible public discourse ahead of the upcoming elections. The statement stressed that “preserving harmony in multi-faith societies is essential for the stability and prosperity of Southeast Asia.”