Bangkok (AsiaNews) - In preparation for the new year, Thai bishops and Buddhist leaders are urging their faithful to promote a culture of peace and love in society. "Let's build together a culture of love in our communities”, said Mgr. Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, archbishop of Bangkok, in his Christmas homily. "With small steps – he continued - the community will be a gift to society and can be peace." For the prelate only through the testimony of every Catholic can non- Christians be touched by the love of God
In Thailand, about 95% of the population are of Buddhist faith. Out of about 63 million people only 300 thousand are Catholic. Despite the small number they have an active role in society. An example of this commitment is the Catholic Business Executive Group (Cbeg), which attempts to bring the values of Catholicism to the Thai parliament in the battle against abortion. Even the supreme Buddhist Spiritual leader Sakolmahasangkaprainayok in his blessing for this year urged the faithful to promote the message of peace in the world. "For the New Year I wish all of you to raise yourself above everything, building on the desires of your heart – he said from the temple of Bawornniwes in Bangkok - only a heart full of desires can lead to peace."