TheRegister
Religious leaders from more than 40 countries took part in an international “Peace and Solidarity” conference in Paris hosted by the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Foundation for Islam in France.
The event, the first of its kind, brought together Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders from around the world. Speakers at the forum emphasized the need to challenge ideologies that threaten peace by provoking racial and discriminatory strife.
MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa told the conference that extremists “hold on to imaginary ideas stemming from a misunderstanding of the past and present.” He highlighted the importance of protecting religion from political exploitation and the need to safeguard youth against extremist groups.
The MWL is keen to raise awareness inside and outside the Islamic world, including urging Muslims in Europe to respect the laws of the countries in which they live, he said.
Al-Issa called for the establishment of a new global education charter that “addresses negative phenomena, and offers effective initiatives and programs.” The MWL joined French Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant representatives in signing the Paris Agreement for the Abrahamic Family, becoming the first Islamic organization to bring together followers of the Biblical religions under a single cooperation document.
Under the historic agreement, the parties will work to promote peace and harmony in the face of extremism, hatred and racism.
The three sides will also encourage mutual understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims in France.
The four organizations, in partnership with the Foundation for Islam in France, declared their commitment to the principle of freedom and to educating young people.