It goes without saying that inter-religious dialogue between people, religions and nations is important.
Not only do such dialogues permit the tackling of key issues of disagreements and misunderstandings, they also act as a deterrent to extremism, violence, and terrorism.
Within this context, the initiative by a group of Muslim scholars to put together a letter that calls for enhancing interfaith dialogue, which was sent to 27 Christian heads of churches from around the world, is of great importance.
The response of more than 300 Christian clergymen with a letter apologising for the Crusades and consequences of the war on terror, is undoubtedly a welcome step.
It is important today that religious authorities of all beliefs and faiths play an active role in building bridges and calling on their followers to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving their differences. Otherwise, violent confrontations could become the norm.
