Muslim-Christian dialogue confab focuses on religious freedom

By: Sultan Ahmed

DOHA, Qatar: A conference on Muslim-Christian Dialogue in Qatar, attended by dozens of religious figures from different countries, discussed various aspects of religious freedom as well as relations between Islam and Christianity.

The Amir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani called for eliminating impediments of relations between Muslims and Christians. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Qatari premier Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa al-Thani in the inauguration of the second seminar for the Islamic-Christian dialogue, he said that convening this seminar in Qatar is of great importance because it coincides with what we are facing of grave implications threatening, peace, security and stability and because this meeting signifies efforts to highlight sublime values advocated by Islam and Christianity.

French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran told journalists the discussions were objective, frank and deep, and they were helpful in strengthening the relations between followers of Islam and Christianity. Abdu Hassan Minto a prominent Pakistani lawyer said discussions on religious freedom and tolerance were serious and fruitful.

The conference, which opened Thursday with an official call to broaden the forum to include Judaism, also discussed religious freedom in international conventions and viewpoint of each religion in this regard.

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