Doha conference stresses interfaith dialogue for peaceful coexistence

Making use of modern information and social media in promoting dialogue between the followers of different religious faiths and cultures is the theme of an international interfaith dialogue conference that was opened in Doha on Monday.

Speakers emphasized the importance of dialogue saying it was essential to reinforce world peace and stability. “Dialogue between people of different faiths is not just an imaginary idea. It’s quite practical and can promote peaceful coexistence of people with dignity, justice, peace and security,” said Qatari Justice Minister Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim.

 http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article523833.ece

At Assisi Interfaith Summit 2011, Prayer Is Optional

ASSISI, Italy (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI hosted some 300 representatives of world religions here on Thursday (Oct. 27) for an interfaith summit on justice and peace, with distinct changes made to the event first convened 25 years ago by Pope John Paul II.

Benedict, who had been critical of John Paul's 1986 event, welcomed a small group of agnostics and, in a bid to avoid the impression that all religions are identical, made prayer private and optional.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/assisi-interfaith-summit-2011_n_1062649.html

Swiss Muslims Rise up Against Islamophobia

Over the past years news stories about Muslims in Switzerland were widely highlighted in the media, shedding some light on a community that was not fairly introduced to either the Swiss or the international societies.

Before the big fuss about the minarets ban, there was little information about Muslims in Switzerland, in terms of their challenges and contributions to the society which they are living in and belonging to.

Today, October 29, Swiss Muslims are demonstrating against Islamophobia and racism in the city of Bern by hosting a conference which is expected to be the largest Islamic festival to have occurred in Switzerland.

 http://www.onislam.net/english/culture-and-entertainment/media/454502-swiss-muslims-rise-up-against-islamophobia-.html

Muslim, Jewish, Christian Friends Share Insights With Students

Three longtime colleagues of different faiths have forged bonds of friendship through decades of dialogue in interfaith forums. The three men, who are leaders in the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities of Los Angeles, recently shared their insights into religion with middle and high school students. The students learned that the men respect their differences and celebrate what they have in common.
They have known each other and worked together for decades - Maher Hathout, spokesman for the Islamic Center of Southern California; Leonard Beerman, the founding rabbi of the Leo Baeck Temple, a Jewish synagogue; and the Reverend George Regas, retired rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/religion/Muslim-Jewish-Christian-Friends-Share-Insights-With-Students-132832998.html