Forum for Interfaith Dialogue Created in Iceland Discussions on Issues of Common Interest
REYKJAVIK, Iceland/GENEVA, 22 December 2006 (LWI) - Thirteen religious organizations including the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (ELCI) have founded an interfaith forum in Iceland. According to a statement from the ELCI, the Forum for Interfaith Dialogue was established on 24 November by representatives of Christian churches, Muslims, Buddhists, the Baha'i and Asatruar. Its objective is to promote dialogue between religious organizations and life-stance (based on human values) organizations.
Initiated by the ELCI, the forum is open to all religious organizations registered with the Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs. It will work to promote tolerance and respect between persons belonging to different religions and also protect religious freedom and other human rights, the statement said.
The spirit of cooperation is further explained in a policy statement by the Forum: "Such a goal will not be reached through simply agreeing with whatever is said or letting anything and everything pass by without comment or criticism, but rather by being prepared to listen to the views of others and put oneself in their shoes, respecting the right of independent individuals and religious organizations to self-determination."
The Forum provides leaders and representatives of its member organizations the opportunity to learn about one another, and, among other things, facilitate discussion on issues of common interest such as access to religious services in the public sphere and how to address potential problems such as persecution, civil disturbance, and national disasters.
The Forum has the capacity to promote increased tolerance and respect among the general population by advocating for professional education on religions, emphasizing the social value of faith, correcting obvious misinterpretations, and working against prejudice and negative discrimination. (287 words) (ELCI)
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(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world, with a total membership of 66.2 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.)
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