World Social Forum (WSF), Mumbai, January 2004
WCC activities

Concept paper

In recent years, when we analyze international and national conflicts, we realize religion has been in the core of most of them. Huntington’s theses of the “clash of civilizations” have brought to the discussion the differences among cultures and civilizations based on religion, among other pillars. While the media often highlight extremist positions, hundreds, if not thousand of believers in different parts of the world are struggling for peace in the midst of violence. In the framework of this work for peace, human dignity can be seen as a source and goal for interreligious endeavours.

The goal of the panel is to share experiences and reflections from different religious perspectives on ways of overcoming violence, and consequently enable people to realize the richness of religious diversity fostering a culture of peace.

The methodology will consist of brief presentations from speakers from different religious traditions and geographical and political contexts who will address the question of overcoming violence

As available background documentation, The Ecumenical Review (Volume 55, Nr. 2, April 2003) "Religion and violence: an inter-religious exploration" can be consulted.

A greater awareness of role, responsibility and contribution of religions in overcoming violenceis expected from the participants as an outcome of the event.

Draft programme

1. Welcome and introduction to the panel – Siddharta, from the interreligious Ashram Fireflies, Bangalore, India(10 minutes)
2. WCC's work in this area: Decade to Overcome Violence, International Affairs and Inter-religious concerns – Guillermo Kerber, WCC (10 minutes)
3. Religion and Violence - new trends – Rashied Omar, Muslim, from South Africa (15 minutes)
4. Middle East - Yehuda Stolov, Jewish from Israel, member of the Israel Interfaith Association and Mohamed Mosaad, Muslim, from Egypt. (15 minutes each - 30 minutes)
5. Building peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone - Florella Hazeley, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (15 minutes)
6. Questions and comments - co-moderated by Siddharta and Guillermo
(40 minutes)

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