Opinion | Editorials
Seek common ground first
Opening of the inter-faith conference in Madrid is a good effort to build bridges.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:05 July 17, 2008
The world stage today is in need of more dialogue for peace than strategies for war. As some groups and organisations continue to resort to extremes in thought and in practice, it is critical that tolerance as a principle is promoted, supported as much as it is advanced.
The opening of the inter-faith international conference in Madrid is one effort that would help to alleviate differences and tensions between various belief systems. Initiated by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and organised under the auspices of the Muslim World League (MWL), the conference is being attended by more than 200 prominent leaders and scholars representing the world's major religions and civilisations. "At this conference, we will aim to focus on a shared world vision far removed from the religious discords and political differences," said Dr Abdullah Al Turki, secretary-general of MWL.
But building bridges between the different faiths will require a lot of work. It would need constant effort and time, as it is a task that is complex and difficult. The best starting point for such an initiative is to find the ground of commonality rather than differences between faiths and beliefs. Most importantly though, is that initiatives continue beyond their starting point.
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Threat of German amnesia
By Joschka Fischer, Special to Gulf News
Rarely has the country been as isolated as it is now. Hardly anyone understands its dogmatic austerity policy, which goes against all experience
-
Moral implication of America's security mindset
By Gordon Robison, Special to Gulf News
After a decade in which torture became official government policy, America’s moral standing when it comes to looking at other governments’ human rights failings is much-diminished
-
Europe's salvation lies in euro's demise
By Bruce Anderson
A return to national currencies is the only hope, but it won’t be easy or cost-free
Your turn
