In a quest for
peace, more than 400 Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders from across
Palestine—and around the world—gathered on Wednesday at the first International Islamic-Christian Conference in Bethlehem.
Organized by Religions for Peace – Palestine, in cooperation with the Palestinian Islamic Christian Commission, the event aimed
to advance dialogue and cooperation among Christians and Muslims in Palestine,
and to enhance the culture of co-existence and mutual respect.
Led by Sheikh Mohammad Husein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and
Palestine and His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, Patriarch Emeritus of Jerusalem and
a Religions for Peace co-president, this was the first conference of its kind
in Palestine.
“Muslims,
Christians and Jews have lived together in Palestine for centuries,” Sabbah
said. “However, political conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has cast
its shadow on religious relations. Religions for Peace – Palestine is committed
to addressing these challenges at all levels from grass roots to the global.”
William
F. Vendley, secretary general for Religions for Peace, noted there is great religious
solidarity around the world for innocent suffering in the Holy Land.
“Religious leaders
around the world share your conviction that a just peace in the Holy Land is an
urgent priority,” Vendley said. “We also believe that principled and sustained
multi-religious cooperation must be given an appropriate role in the needed
diplomatic peace process essential for achieving it.”
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