Jordan Times
Friday, March 4, 2005
Conference on Muslim-Christian Dialogue Concludes
AMMAN (JT) — A three-day conference on
“Perspectives of Muslim-Christian Dialogue in the Contemporary World” concluded
in Amman on Thursday, with a call on Muslims and Christians to further enhance
their dialogue in the service of peace.
A statement following the final session said the participants look forward to
Orthodox Christians and Muslims exerting all possible efforts at political and
economic forums and conferences to safeguard peace and protect Muslim and
Christian spiritual values.
Only through dialogue and renunciation of all forms of violence as well as
respect of religious and human principles, could peaceful coexistence be
ensured, the statement said.
Participants said Christian Arabs had an effective role to play in countering
attempts to distort the image of Arabs and Muslims in the aftermath of the Sept.
11 attacks in the United States.
The statement also called on various religious factions to collaborate in
efforts designed to ensure the welfare of the human race, guarantee the
implementation of international humanitarian law, respect the UN Charter and
protect human rights.
In addition, the statement expressed support for the Amman Message, which was
released last year.
Participants commended the Amman Message, which seeks to reveal a message of
tolerance and humanity; rejecting extremism as a deviation from the true Islamic
beliefs; thus, stressing the true values of Islam and promoting a proper
understanding of the faith which honours all human beings and provides common
ground among different faiths and peoples.
The conference, organised by the Jordanian Orthodox Society, was attended by
around 80 representatives of Orthodox Christians in 28 nations in addition to 50
Jordanian officials.