Doha Third Conference For Religions Dialogue

Emir patronizes inter-faith dialogue conference

Under the patronage of His Highness Shieikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Qatar is to host the third conference about inter-faith dialogue on June 29-30. The conference, the most important in terms of participants and topics, is expected to outline the importance of religion laying the foundations for a human civilization.

Academics, prominent scholars and figures from both the field of politics and religion will converge on Doha to exchange ideas about issues of relevance to dialogue among faiths.

Among the most important issues this year's conference will take up is how faiths consider the human being and ways to expose the common religious values capable of building a sound civilization such as: respect to the human mind, how religions face illusions and means to communicate and cooperate between religions, in addition to religious responsibilities towards natural resources and family as a fundamental unit in societies.

The two-day conference will also probe the common values that could preserve the civilizational achievements as a shared human heritage, justice, equity, dialogue, international relations, mutual respect and ethical rules governing scientific research.

Meanwhile, the conference is seen as a valuable in-put from Qatar to the international peace and dialogue between faiths as wanted by His Highness Shieikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar

Talking about the conference, Dr. Aicha al-manai, Dean of Islamic law faculty told Qatarinfo.net that it would bridge the gap between faiths and civilizations in a way to establish a new concept of peace and mutual understanding between peoples. It would also highlight the peaceful and moderate visions of faiths far from extremism and unfruitful dialogue and discussions, she added.

Dr. Al-manai further noted that the preparatory committee is guided by the call of His Highness Shieikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar during last year's conference to broaden the scope of participation to include other faiths.

About the agenda of the conference, Al-manai said that it would include several paper works (8 Islamic, 8 Christian and 4 Jewish). All of them would focus on human dignity, freedoms and rights and common values.

Talking also to Qatarinfo.net, Roman orthodox Marmkios said that it is high time all kinds of interfaith dialogue lauded and liked should we wish to build common ground capable of leading to mutual respect.

Responding to a question about the sough outcome, he said he hopes it would follow on the previous conferences tobridge the gap and build common ground between all faiths. He also lauded the visionary efforts made by His Highness Shieikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar in this respect.