Milan, Italy: Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish in a round table.
An appeal for acceptance, peace & harmony

Peace Times 17

A round table on ecumenism that concluded with the signing of an appeal addressing the themes of acceptance and peace was held on the 25th of October at the Angelicum in Milan, Italy.

Present for the meeting were Cardinal Martini, the representative of the Buddhist community Denys Teundroup, Rabbi Renè Sirat and Baschir Al-Bani from the Omayyade Mosque of Damasco. Amongst those invited, was also Lama Gangchen Rinpoche.

During the meeting Cardinal Martini spoke of «a shared land» and of «many common elements» between the members of different religions, including «words, theological beliefs and differences in theology», which allow «an attitude of comprehension, a relationship of reciprocal knowledge and a mutual enriching of the respect for freedom».

Below is an extract of the appeal signed by Cardinal Martini and the representatives of other christian denominations as well as by the representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist religions. The appeal was afterwards presented to Albertini, the Mayor of Milan.

«Today’s situation will lead man to live in a multi-ethnic society in which people of different faiths and cultural educations will meet. This ever increasing interdependence defines a new community, rich in new ideas and tensions which will create precious occasions of unavoidable comparisons and exchanges.

The theme of reciprocol acceptance is profoundly rooted in the statute and in the spirit of each tradition and has clearly manifested in recent history during interreligious meetings. Our common knowledge is that the acceptance of others represents a precise human and religious duty and should be established in all as a fundamental value. Experience shows that acceptance produces inner richness and gives life to the common human condition.

With deep conviction we express the belief that often the conflicts connected to extreme forms of integralism are in contrast to any correctly interpreted religious belief. We wish to work in order that this conviction is affirmed with greater profoundity. Therefore, we propose to collaborate to defend the dignity of man and of his spiritual values. We are aware that religions, through teaching and example, have the commitment to indicate the spiritual path of man.

This appeal is a testimony of our commitment in order to, from today, in Milan, commence solid common actions in favour of a culture of acceptance, which will thrive in a spirit of justice and is based on knowledge and mutual respect.

Each one should let go of their conditioning and discrimination and, with an open heart and mind, build constructive relationships with all, respecting all that which characterises difference».

p.t.