Amman, November 22, Interfax – A council of prominent religious scholars from across the Middle East has issued a joint appeal calling for the revival of interfaith dialogue in the region, warning that recent spikes in hostility and misinformation pose a “serious threat” to social cohesion. The statement followed a two-day symposium in Amman attended by Muslim, Christian, and Druze representatives.
Bangkok, November 22, Interfax – A broad interfaith coalition representing Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu communities across Southeast Asia has voiced concern over what it calls the “intensifying politicization of religion” ahead of several major elections scheduled for 2025. The statement was released following a regional conference held in Bangkok on Friday.
Strasbourg, November 21, Interfax – The European Council has urged its member states to strengthen protections for young people facing discrimination on religious grounds, warning that intolerance in schools and universities is rising across the continent. The call was issued after a new report on youth rights was presented at a plenary session on Thursday.
New York, November 21, Interfax – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Elena Marquez, has expressed alarm over a sharp increase in attacks on sacred sites and religious monuments worldwide. Speaking at a UN panel on Thursday, she urged governments to adopt stronger protective measures and to prevent the “political exploitation of religious heritage.”
In early 2001 the world was alarmed by reports that the Afghani Talibs destroyed the gigantic statures of Buddha, unique monuments of ancient culture. At that time the topic of prostrate sculptures firmed up in the headlines of major newspapers and news reports from leading TV networks. Almost unnoticed against this background was another tragedy, which had begun a little earlier and continues to this day, namely, the destruction of monasteries and churches in Kosovo.
Geneva, November 21, Interfax – A group of prominent religious leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia expressed deep concern over what they describe as a “visible rise in pressure” on minority faith communities in various parts of the world. The statement was issued following a closed-door interfaith forum held in Geneva on Thursday.
Moscow, December 23, Interfax - Museum and park complex that includes the Russian Cultural Center in Jericho, will be built by the next January.
Moscow, December 26, Interfax - The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society has called on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to put an end to the lawlessness perpetrated by rebels in Syria.
Moscow, August 17, Interfax - The
Moscow, February 9, Interfax - Abkhazian President Raul Khadzhimba signed the law banning abortions.
