jordan pulse -
His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin Talal, chairman of the board of trustees of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, inaugurated the institute’s seventh international symposium titled “Humanity in Times of Peace and War” on Wednesday.
The symposium, organized by the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and the Vatican’s Department for Interreligious Dialogue, in collaboration with the Papal Embassy in Jordan, coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Vatican and the establishment of the institute.
In his opening remarks, His Royal Highness emphasized that the true meaning of interfaith dialogue lies in achieving justice and lifting oppression among followers of different faiths. He clarified that doctrines cannot be harmonized if their followers exploit them to perpetuate injustice and occupation, imposing a de facto reality.
His Royal Highness pointed out that the problem does not lie in certain religious beliefs but in political conflicts and material interests. He highlighted the importance of analytical thinking, fostering a culture of amicability among people, and building trust as a common foundation for dialogue.
He stressed the importance of viewing the Levant with a lens of humanity, speaking of its cultures as cradles of civilizations that embody the spirit of enlightenment, unity of human conscience, and universal human values.
His Royal Highness underscored the need for human dignity to guide policies and to shift the discourse towards inclusivity and interdependent autonomy, respecting the identity of others to achieve equality as a degree equal to dignity.
He remarked that the tragedies we witness should not weaken our faith and belief, reminding us of the principle of loving people and using things, rather than using people and loving things.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, affirmed that one cannot stand idly by in the face of the death of thousands of innocents and the displacement of millions, as is the case in the Holy Lands and other countries.
He called for an international balance to facilitate and support the opportunity for peace, safety, and security in the world.
He added that today’s world desperately needs leaders who work earnestly for peace, quell all forms of conflict and war, and promote concepts of love, brotherhood, and tolerance.
He emphasized the importance of nurturing individuals on the noble message through education, mosques, churches, workshops, and media, adopting proper interpretation of sacred texts within their historical, cultural, and social contexts, and closing the door to those who misinterpret them outside their framework.
The Papal Nuncio in Jordan, Archbishop Giovanni D’Aniello, highlighted the importance of multilateral diplomacy in building peace and achieving development worldwide.
He pointed out the necessity of involving communities in interfaith dialogue to develop the concept of shared culture, enhance respect for international and humanitarian law, and defend human dignity and freedom of belief.
He also noted the significance of Jordan’s relations with the Holy See in promoting peace and harmony in the Middle East and the world.
PETRA