Vatican City, 26 September 2014 (VIS) –
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for
Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, based in New York, U.S.A.,
yesterday published a declaration of principles, signed by the
foreign ministers of Austria, Saudi Arabia and Spain, as well as by
Fr. Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, M.C.C.J., secretary of the Pontifical
Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in his role as Holy See
Observer, to help build a united front to the humanitarian crisis in
Syria and the north of Iraq, as well as in other regions of the
world. The declaration was approved unanimously by the multireligious
Board of Directors of KAICIID, who represent the major world
religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
The full text of the Declaration,
entitled “In the Face of Conflict”, is published below:
“We believe in the sanctity of life
and the inherent dignity of the person. We believe that religion is
an enabler of respect and reconciliation. We believe that dialogue
among people of different religions and cultures is the path to
lasting peace and social cohesion.
“We affirm the purposes and
principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in
particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
These equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family
are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
“We condemn violent conflict in the
world, more so violence committed in the name of religion, and call
for an end to violent hostility. We deplore loss of life and commend
those who seek to alleviate suffering, as well as those who strive to
promote wellbeing, harmony and peace. We oppose the
instrumentalisation of religion to make war. We strongly condemn
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever,
wherever and for whatever purposes. And we condemn hate speech and
extremism that incite violence and fuel prejudice. KAICIID combats
prejudice and intolerance, in all their forms.
“KAICIID counteracts the abuse of
religion to justify oppression, violence and conflict and facilitates
peaceful resolution by bringing conflict parties to the dialogue
table. We continue to enhance interreligious and intercultural
dialogue in order to foster respect, understanding and cooperation
among people.
“We resolve to promote mutual respect
and understanding among followers of all religions and peoples of all
cultures, particularly through dialogue. Let us look upon each other
as sisters and brothers and, and let us appreciate difference as
enrichment rather than fearing 'otherness' as a threat”.
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