What made this conference so special was the fact that all participants were willing to engage themselves in it with their whole personality. Thus, the discussions not only touched the "surface" of the subject, but also went deeply into it. It was not just a "talking about," it was a "talking within." By communicating with each other, we could feel the sorrow, pain and fears that result from misunderstanding religious compassion or mission.

On the other hand, we could feel the joy of understanding a bit more of the "soul" of each one’s religion and to understand the other one’s personality from that background. This produced a deep openness and trust, and we could really begin to dialogue with each other. We did this with great seriousness and with the awareness that worldwide peace and understanding depend on the changing of people’s minds concerning religious, cultural and ethnic differences.

The results of the meeting were not just some statements about what perhaps one could do in the far away future. The results were very precise and clear. As members of the conference, we took upon ourselves the responsibility of changing our own thoughts and feelings concerning other religions and cultures and to start to influence the surroundings in which we live, in order to help other people change their minds and to enable them to join our dream of tolerance and understanding.

The role that women play in this process, and their responsibility to develop and disseminate their experiences became clear and obvious. As mothers and educators, their impact on the future generation(s) is vital, and so they must reflect on matters of tolerance and dialogue so that they are able to educate their children accordingly.

For me, the consultation was a great challenge and it still is. I do not just want to remember a very nice meeting. I am aware now of my responsibility in communicating its results to other people in order to help the world become a place of peace and understanding. For me, the WAY to do this is the way we experienced it at the conference, by meeting the other one’s soul.

Ms Urte Heuss works as elementary school teacher since 1993. She lives in Essen, Germany. Among other things she teaches religious education and is involved in the process of developing the quality of her school.