Saudi King’s Conference Rejects Terrorism, Urges Dialogue
Saturday, July 19th, 2008
A global conference of about 300 interfaith leaders concluded Friday (July 18) in Spain with a declaration that rejects terrorism and calls for a special United Nations session on dialogue.
Calling terrorism “one of the most serious obstacles confronting dialogue and coexistence,” the four-page “Madrid Declaration” was issued after a two-day summit convened by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah.
The declaration was released by the Saudi embassy in Washington, and the conference was organized by the Mecca-based Muslim World League. Prominent leaders of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Shintoism attended.
The statement affirmed human unity, peace, the family and environmental preservation. It emphasized the need for cooperation among people from different backgrounds.
“Diversity of cultures and civilizations among people is a sign of God and a cause for human advancement and prosperity,” the declaration reads.
It rejected “theories that call for the clash of civilizations” and urged the building of a “culture of tolerance” through conferences and media programs.
Last March, Abdullah said he wanted to launch a new dialogue among Christians, Jews and Muslims, but the proposal drew headlines because Saudi Arabia’s exclusivist version of Islam does not allow non-Muslims to openly practice their faith in the kingdom.
In addition to a special U.N. session to enhance dialogue among people of different religions and cultures, the Madrid statement called for the development of a “working team” to study problems that inhibit dialogue.
It urged governmental and nongovernmental organizations to make a statement “that stipulates respect for religions and their symbols, the prohibition of their denigration and the repudiation of those who commit such acts.”
Source — The Pew Forum