The World Expo in Dubai became the site of a significant interfaith meeting.
Jews, Christians and Muslims came together to take yet another step forward in encouraging dialogue between religious leaders.
NAHAYAN MABARAK AL NAHYAN
Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates
“We are pleased to be able to host this event that brings together scholars, clerics, and intellectuals for interfaith dialogue and action.”
Among those present were a delegate of the Imam of Al-Azhar, the Catholic Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia and Rabbi David Rosen of the American Jewish Committee.
RABBI DAVID ROSEN
American Jewish Committee
“One of the remarkable things of our time is that interfaith relations is a growing exponential reality, never in human history has there ever been as much cooperation, collaboration between religions as today.”
BP. PAUL HINDER
Apostolic Vicar for Southern Arabia
'I don't expect the world to change from one week to the next, but I've been here for almost 18 years. In these past years I have seen developments that allow society to be more at peace.'
Their meeting included the launch of the Global Tolerance Alliance, an initiative which showcases projects that embody interfaith dialogue.
For example, the work of the Order of Malta in countries such as Lebanon.
ALBRECHT VON BOESELAGER
Grand Chancellor, Sovereign Order of Malta
“We are active in Iraq, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Palestine, and especially in Lebanon we have very formal cooperation running clinics together with the Shiite, the Sunni and Jewish communities in a very successful way.”
During his speech, the Order's Grand Chancellor outlined an area which needs more attention: he said that the role of religion is undervalued in advancing diplomacy.
ALBRECHT VON BOESELAGER
Grand Chancellor, Sovereign Order of Malta
'It is estimated that by 2050, the global percentage of believers will grow from the current 84% to 87%. Foreign policy and diplomacy are strongly intertwined with religion.'
This event was formed out of this significant moment.
In 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar jointly signed a document on Human Fraternity. It was an important push for interreligious dialogue at a critical moment.
Recent years have seen the world watch the brutal effects of religious fanaticism, with the rise of the Islamic State and waves of terror attacks throughout Europe.
This signature marked a significant step, as one of the most influential leaders of Sunni Islam explicitly condemned religious forms of terrorism in no uncertain terms. As a result, more Muslim leaders began to speak out against using religion for violent ends, and their voices began to be heard.
JRB
TR: JM
