Dr Dutton stressed the need for cultural acceptance in a global society. He is saying, “Learning to accept others is not easy because it means dealing with our own biases first, but it is necessary if we are to build a civic society.”

“More often that not a good part of education comes from our interaction with lecturers, fellow students and from the materials we read,” said Bishop Emeritus Datuk Dr Denis C. Dutton.

He said he wanted to inspire people to examine the alternative processes involved in decision-making and to change from being merely tolerant and move towards levels of acceptance instead.

Dr Dutton also called on the academics to play their part. “Faculty members are in the best position to start something and watch it trickle down. Do it with a passion and you can make a difference,” he said.