Inter-religious conference stresses dialogue, understanding and unity

31/10/2007

More than 200 representatives of different faiths adopted a declaration vowing to boost inter-religious dialogue and condemning any form of terrorism or religious violence.

By Marina Stojanovska for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- 31/10/07

"This conference forces the need to see the place of religion in peoples’ life," said the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan. [Getty Images]

More than 200 representatives of various faiths adopted a declaration Sunday (October 28th) calling for improved inter-religious dialogue, understanding and unity. The statement came at the end of the three-day World Conference on Inter-Religious and Inter-Civilisation Dialogue, held in Ohrid.

The conference, the first of its kind, was organised by the Macedonian Ministry of Culture and the Relations with Religious Communities Committee. It was supported by UNESCO, the World Islamic League and the World Conference on Religion and Peace.

Understanding of other religions can only come through broad co-operation that is steeped in mutual respect, the declaration says. Participants condemned any form of terrorism and religious violence.

"Representatives of world religious communities and groups, intellectuals and government officials are going to speak in one voice and send a message of tolerance from Ohrid," Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said.

The head of Macedonia's Islamic religious community, Reis Ul Ulema haxhi Sulejman effendi Rexhepi, said acceptance of violence and terrorism stems from ignorance or spiritual inertness.

While promoting dialogue among faiths, the participants also emphasised that religion in general continues to play a central role across different civilisations.

"This conference forces the need to see the place of religion in peoples' life," said the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan.

According to Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, the Ohrid conference was a success because representatives of many religions were present and were able to engage in mutual dialogue.

"I have no doubts that this conference will have an important role in encouraging politicians to follow the recommendations and work in the spirit of dialogue and compromise," EU Special Representative Erwan Fouéré told the gathering.

The president of the UN General Assembly, Srgjan Kerim, also spoke at the conference. "This world conference, held in Ohrid's ancient and spiritual surroundings, will improve our effort to respect mutual differences and promote the culture of peace," he said.

The event was in line with two UN and UNESCO initiatives -- the Decade of Dialogue Among Civilisations and the Decade of the Culture of Peace.