Speeches
- Written by: Bishop Riah Abo El-Assal, Former Anglican Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
The fact that the crisis in Syria occupied much of the recent UN deliberations is proof enough that the parties involved are not exclusively Syrians. No wonder the attention of the majority of the international community is focused on its happenings. Had there been no way out of the American threat, we may have not been able to meet anywhere in this troubled Middle East.
- Written by: Dr. Ines Angeli Murzaku, Professor of Religion, Department of Religion Chair, Department of Catholic Studies, Se-ton Hall University, New Jersey, USA
The current return of religion has been extraordinarily apparent throughout the entire world. Religion has a stronger hold now than it has had for a long time in many parts of the world. It is successfully discussed in the media and politics. Politics is permeated by faith sentiments and beliefs. It seems that religion is not colliding with modernity. On the contrary, religion and modernity are merged in a harmonious way.
- Written by: Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami, Shri Radha Raman Temple, Vrindavan, India
Civil society is missing its religious partner, which is a major facet of human experience and expression. Interfaith bodies like the Universal Peace Federation have been calling for institutionalizing this partnership. I agree. I am sure that if an interfaith council were established at the UN, Hindus and for that matter people of all religions would welcome it. It is a long-standing need.
- Written by: Dr. M. Darrol Bryant, Director, Center for Dialogue and Spirituality in te World's Religions, University of Waterloo, Canada
The situation in Syria is ever-changing and difficult. It is a challenging situation, but whatever position UPF takes must have some resonance with religious and cultural voices living within Syria. It is worth noting that on the Internet there is considerable criticism from religious voices inside Syria directed towards those outside Syria for failing to grasp the internal Syrian situation and over-simplifying what is happening.
- Written by: Dr. Emanuel Aydin, Patriarchal Delegate, Syrian Orthodox Church
I appeal one more time to the European politicians to become aware of their responsibility. Military attacks against Syria are the worst means! I appeal to all people of good will to follow your conscience, to not trust the lies of propaganda and to honestly examine yourselves before God.
- Written by: Imam Dr. Mufti Abduljalil Sajid Chair, Muslim Council for Religious and Racial Harmony, UK
I appeal to the human conscience to make a swift move defending human rights to rein in the savagery being committed against innocent children and the elderly in Syria. I share UPF’s appeal to the United Nations and the major powers to redouble their efforts for a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, leaders of the world’s great faith traditions, especially Muslims, Jews and Christians, should come together in the search for a solution that brings an end to the bloodshed.
- Written by: Prof. Kamel S. Abu Jaber, Director, the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, Jordan
It is in these gatherings of concerned and distinguished individuals that one should speak freely. We are talking about Syria, not only one of the most important countries of the Arab world but, until this day, called by Arab nationalities Um al-’Urubah, mother of Arabism.
- Written by: Dr. Mohammad Abdul Al-Habash, Associate Professor, Abu Dhabi University, UAE
It is my duty to extend my sincere thanks to all of the brothers who came from around the world to stand with the Syrian people in their distress and anguish. I ask God to record your coming to this conference as an expression of obedience and worship of God. As God said: “This is the best worship: to help the oppressed.”
- Written by: Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
it seems not merely appropriate but necessary that we re-think the role and responsibility of religion in global affairs. By establishing an interreligious body, such as an “interfaith compact” within the UN System, the potential for “Track II” diplomacy can be underscored and enhanced. Religion’s unique capacities for peacebuilding may also be better utilized. Such an innovation requires not merely that governments awaken to the value of religions as stakeholders and allies but also that religions awaken to their responsibilities not only to their adherents, but to the world and to each other.
- Written by: Errol Gibbs, Author and Motivational Speaker, Canada
As we sail into the future, we carry with us the baggage of unsolved problems of the past, and complex and unsolved problems of the present. There is a need for a new social contract within distinct cultures, and between distinct cultures. Evidently, these recommendations are challenging to craft and implement, but they are essential for cultural coherence, and peace and harmony, as we sail in the unchartered waters of the twenty-first century and the new millennium.
- Written by: Hon. David Kilgour, JD
I believe strongly that our criminal justice system must be essentially blind to cultural differences in victims. Each victim is entitled to the same protection as any other--and this includes having police and prosecutors go after criminals who violate the rights of any person, especially using violence, with equal vigor. Victims in general are no longer supposed to be the forgotten key components of the justice system. The 600 cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across our country is an excellent place to begin to create more equal justice for all across this land.
- Written by: Dr. Douglas Cardinal, OC
The prophecy [of the First Nations before contact] was that we had to build an indigenous center, a circle of all nations, and bring that knowledge and wisdom that had been here for thousands of years and share it with all the people that we welcome to the land.