This is a good begining for inter faith dialogue between Muslims and Jews
Imams, Rabbis meet successful
Nabanita Sircar
London, January 5
Over 150 Imams and Rabbis from all over the world gathered in Brussels in an unprecedented effort to try and curb the rising tension between Muslims and Jews across Europe. It turned out to be much more than just a talking shop occasion and the meet did succeed in providing a unique forum for inter-religious discussions.
A Muslim delegate from Britain, Abduljalil Sajid, who is also Imam of Brighton, said there should be naming and shaming of extremists. He hoped the conference would demonstrate that 99.9 per cent of Muslims along with 99.9 per cent of Jews favoured peaceful co-existence.
The sponsors of the conference, Paris-based Peace Foundation Hommes de Parole (Men of their word) expressed hope that the meet would lead to dialogue and an enduring partnership between Islam and Judaism.
The meet was also adrressed by a renowned spiritual leader from India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Monday. He said Hinduism and Sikhism should be recognised as monotheistic faiths.
Pointing to references to monotheistic religion made by several speakers, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said “add Hinduism and Sikhism to monotheism. They also believe in one God,
one Truth, one Divinity.”
He stressed that there is “one family of believers.If something goes wrong in the family they sit and discuss.”
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, a United Nations NGO, also pointed out that “few people believe in extremism, but their voice is loud.This conference will bring peace and dynamism to confront extremism.”
Citing an example of the brotherhood of believers, he said mosques were opened to offer refuge to Hindus, Buddhists and Christians in the affected areas in Tamil Nadu.
The congress is being held under the patronage of Kings Albert II of Belgium and Mohammed VI of Morocco.Christian Dupont, Belgian minister of social integration, said the “religions are an essential key for dialogue and understanding.”
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1184037,00430005.htm