The Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta asserted the importance of interreligious dialogue to prevent abuses of religion.
ALBRECHT VON BOESELAGER
Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta
“There is a great danger that religious affiliation and religious sentiments will be abused populistically and fueled for destructive political goals. The most important remedy against this is interreligious dialogue and really getting to know each other.”
He said it at the interreligious summit held in the Italian Pavilion at the Dubai Expo. Most of the participants were Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders, but not only.
The Grand Chancellor also highlighted two exemplary solutions adopted by the popes.
ALBRECHT VON BOESELAGER
Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta
“We must not leave the fear to those who, exploiting religious sentiments, in reality prove to be enemies of religion. This can be done with common prayer as initiated by Pope John Paul II in Assisi in 2002 through religious dialogue and common written documents such as document on human fraternity for world peace and living together, adopted by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Al-Tayeb.”
The Order of Malta's humanitarian initiatives are making an impact in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. There it has witnessed the greatness of many people of different social classes and religions.
That's why the Grand Chancellor warns against trusting people who spread fear when talking about others different from themselves.
ALBRECHT VON BOESELAGER
Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta
“In the midst of conflict you meet people who remind you of what is said on genesis when God looked at his creation that it was good what he has created I think it's a precondition for connecting souls that we are still convinced that the creation of God is good and the people are basically good.”
The Order of Malta is a Catholic organization with nearly 1,000 years of history. Because it helps countries in crisis, it has close ties with leaders of all religions and understands the importance of earning the local population's trust.
At this summit in Dubai, the Order's presence has been an example of initiatives that strengthen dialogue between people of different religions. It shows that peaceful coexistence is beneficial for everyone.
JRB
TR: CT
VM
