Major interreligious gathering in Kazakhstan
June 17, 2015
The fifth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 10 and 11.
Congress attendees, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, reflected on the theme of “dialogue in the name of peace and of development.” Participants called for the use of the “mechanisms of the United Nations and other international organizations” to address violent conflicts.
According to a Kazakh government news agency, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, said that “we live in troubled times, in the troubled world, so in relation to religion, we should seek wisdom.”
“Each religious leader in his behavior should follow his teachings, follow knowledge of his religion,” he reportedly added. “There should be no ambiguity in the teachings and writings. The main task of religion is to teach mutual trust, fraternity.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
- Dialogo contro l’intolleranza (L’Osservatore Romano, p. 6)
- Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran: Congress in Astana is sign of our friendship and coop [sic] (www.strategy2050.kz)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
