Faith Leaders Say They Were Duped Into Attending RSS-Linked Event

A group of faith leaders has come forward stating they were "duped" into attending an event organized by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), an organization they claim has undisclosed links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The leaders, representing various faiths including Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism, voiced their concerns in a joint statement released on March 13, 2024, following the "Interfaith Harmony Summit" held in Washington D.C. on March 8, 2024. They asserted that the HAF did not disclose its affiliation with the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization, during the invitation process. The faith leaders stated that had they been aware of this connection, they would not have participated in the event. They expressed particular concern that their presence might be misconstrued as an endorsement of the RSS's ideology and activities. The RSS, founded in 1925, is a prominent right-wing Hindu nationalist organization in India, often described as the parent organization of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Its ideology emphasizes Hindutva, a concept of Hindu cultural and national identity. Critics of the RSS have accused it of promoting religious intolerance and discrimination. The faith leaders involved in the statement included Bishop John Michael of the Catholic Church, Imam Yahya Hendi of Georgetown University, and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh of the Nishan-e-Sikhi Charitable Trust. In their statement, they emphasized their commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation but stressed the importance of transparency and honesty in such engagements. They further stated that they felt their trust was violated by the organizers' lack of disclosure. The Hindu American Foundation, in response to the allegations, stated that it "operates independently" and "engages in dialogue with diverse communities to promote understanding and respect." However, they did not directly address the specific claims of undisclosed RSS links. The incident highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding interfaith dialogues, particularly when potential affiliations with politically charged organizations are involved. The faith leaders have called for greater accountability and transparency from organizations hosting such events to ensure genuine dialogue and prevent future misunderstandings. This event underscores the challenges in navigating interfaith relations in a diverse and often polarized global landscape, where perceived affiliations can significantly impact trust and participation.