AhlulBayt News Agency: An Iranian cleric has stressed the critical role of constructive dialogue between religious leaders in fostering peace, mutual understanding, and social harmony.
Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Mahdi Taskhiri, deputy of University of Religions and Denominations in international affairs, made the statements on Monday, following a recent visit by an Iranian delegation with Pope Francis in Vatican.
Taskhiri highlighted the shared struggles humanity faces today, including poverty, inequality, climate change, pandemics, environmental crises, and wars.
He noted that religions, with their common moral and ethical teachings, are well-positioned to collaborate and propose solutions to these pressing issues.
"Interfaith dialogue can lay the groundwork for such cooperation and synergy," he said, adding that increased awareness among global societies serves as a pathway toward achieving lasting peace and rejecting warmongering agendas.
The cleric underscored the undeniable influence of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.
"Religious leaders, because of their status and influence among their followers, can play a crucial role in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence," he stated.
Taskhiri also advocated for hosting regular interfaith summits as a means to amplify the message of peace on a global scale. He described such gatherings as both a moral and practical necessity for addressing global challenges and countering acts of aggression, especially the Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip.
"These conferences are not merely moral obligations but essential steps toward building a peaceful and just world," he asserted.
Focusing on the importance of common ground among religions, Taskhiri stressed that dialogue should center on shared values and universal human principles—values emphasized in both Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic faiths. He called for mutual respect for diverse beliefs and perspectives, describing it as a cornerstone of global unity.
However, Taskhiri cautioned against limiting interfaith dialogues to theoretical discussions. He urged participants to pursue tangible, actionable solutions to contemporary challenges. "Dialogue must not remain theoretical; it must seek practical solutions. Otherwise, it risks becoming another historical document, forgotten over time," he warned.
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Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Mahdi Taskhiri, deputy of University of Religions and Denominations in international affairs, made the statements on Monday, following a recent visit by an Iranian delegation with Pope Francis in Vatican.
Taskhiri highlighted the shared struggles humanity faces today, including poverty, inequality, climate change, pandemics, environmental crises, and wars.
He noted that religions, with their common moral and ethical teachings, are well-positioned to collaborate and propose solutions to these pressing issues.
"Interfaith dialogue can lay the groundwork for such cooperation and synergy," he said, adding that increased awareness among global societies serves as a pathway toward achieving lasting peace and rejecting warmongering agendas.
The cleric underscored the undeniable influence of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.
"Religious leaders, because of their status and influence among their followers, can play a crucial role in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence," he stated.
Taskhiri also advocated for hosting regular interfaith summits as a means to amplify the message of peace on a global scale. He described such gatherings as both a moral and practical necessity for addressing global challenges and countering acts of aggression, especially the Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip.
"These conferences are not merely moral obligations but essential steps toward building a peaceful and just world," he asserted.
Focusing on the importance of common ground among religions, Taskhiri stressed that dialogue should center on shared values and universal human principles—values emphasized in both Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic faiths. He called for mutual respect for diverse beliefs and perspectives, describing it as a cornerstone of global unity.
However, Taskhiri cautioned against limiting interfaith dialogues to theoretical discussions. He urged participants to pursue tangible, actionable solutions to contemporary challenges. "Dialogue must not remain theoretical; it must seek practical solutions. Otherwise, it risks becoming another historical document, forgotten over time," he warned.
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