Delegates attending the two-day interfaith conference here Thursday expressed support for a proposal to set up an international center for dialogue that executes new programs to put the initiative in practice. A communiqué issued at the end of the conference, which was held at the initiative of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for dialogue among followers of religions and cultures, lauded the Monarch's efforts to proceed with dialogue at an international level. The conference was organized by the Makkah-based Muslim World League. The communiqué called on the media to play a pivotal role in spreading the culture of dialogue and enhancing its goals and foundations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. The delegates confirmed keenness to forge the objectives of the dialogue in cultural and social programs. Delegates emphasized the need to nurture a culture of dialogue among the younger generation to make the historic initiative a success. They also pointed out that misunderstanding about other faiths and cultures and the absence of mutual trust were the main reason for conflicts. The communiqué said the initiative of King Abdullah asks for the inspiration of the principles of Islam calling for creating a world of justice, security and peace, SPA said. The conference reviewed the current relations between different human civilizations, confirming the importance of correcting the misunderstanding that religions are the cause behind today's problems. The communiqué confirmed that religion was, in principle, never part of the difference of mankind, noting that some extremists from the followers of religions have given such a false impression. It also underscored the importance of the Makkah Declaration calling for the establishment of an international Islamic Commission for dialogue. The statement reviewed the sufferings of peoples in several parts of the world and their human and economic repercussions. The delegates drew the attention of cultural establishments to the contents of international resolutions preventing the spread of hatred and racial segregation. The communiqué also called for serious cooperation to face the contemporary challenges, particularly poverty, ignorance, illness and natural disasters. The conference voiced support for the participation of more women and youth in future dialogue conferences. During the deliberations Swami Agnivesh, president of the World Council of Arya Samaj, expressed his delight over the progress achieved by the King's initiative through the meetings held in Madrid, Vienna and Geneva. He narrated a story from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to explain how kind and compassionate the Prophet was to a Jewish woman who used to throw rubbish at him while he passed by her house. When the Prophet knew she was sick he visited her at home and gave her a basket of fruits. “This is the example we should follow.” Agnivesh also ridiculed Samuel Huntington's theory of the clash of civilizations. “That theory belonged to him alone and is not subscribed to by his religion or country,” he said. However, he pointed out that Huntington's theory instigated King Abdullah to think about this new initiative to promote coexistence between different cultures and faiths. The Hindu leader urged the followers of different faiths to abide by the teachings of their faiths.
