Astana: inter-faith unity to stop fundamentalism
Pastor Dale Morgan
13 September, 2006
KAZAKHSTAN
*Astana: inter-faith unity to stop fundamentalism*
by Joseph Masilamany
The last day of discussion of the second Congress of Leaders of World
Religions is unfolding in the Kazak capital. The Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew urged one and all to teach respect and reconciliation in all
places of worship.
Astana (AsiaNewsWires) – A roadmap by leaders of major world religions
to promote Unity, Peace and international security to stop
fundamentalism and consequent inter-faith violence.
This is the objective fixed for the last day of deliberations of the
second Congress of Leaders of World Religions, which aims to promote
harmony and inter-faith dialogue towards the unity of all world religions.
The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I said during his
intervention that “religious warfare brings out the worst in people”.
He continued: “Religious fanaticism is one of the thorniest aspects of
the problem and this is where our efforts should focus if we want the
world to change.”
The patriarch called on 43 delegates present – representing Islam,
Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Shinto, Taoism and Hinduism – to “teach
respect and reconciliation in every synagogue, in every mosque, in every
church and in all temples of the world.”
The religious representatives also underlined the role played by
education of youth, the basis of tolerance and a long-term contribution
to global security. Koichiro Matsuura, director general of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, lauded
Kazakhstan – the host nation – for being a “model for peaceful coexistence”.