13.03.2012
As many as 120 religious figures from 13 Asia-Pacific countries are gathering in Semarang, Central Java from March 12-15 to join the Sixth Regional Interfaith Dialogue, with intolerance among religions as the main topic of discussion.
“We want to establish a network of religious leaders by sharing experiences and providing insights into each religion,” general director of public information and public diplomacy at the Foreign Ministry Abdurrahman M. Fachir said at the opening ceremony of the event on Monday.
Figures attending the event come from the main religions such as Islam, Protestantism, Buddhism, Catholicism and Confucianism.
Visits to places of worship, such as the Great Mosque of Central Java and the Archdiocese of Semarang, also form part of the event, in addition to holding discussions.
“Places of worship are not only venues in which to hold rituals, but can also be centers for promoting social interaction,” Fachir said.
The event is also being held to synchronize perceptions of building harmony and tolerance among religions.
According to Fachir, intolerance is both a social and religious problem and the dialogue is expected to produce real measures to resolve these problems.
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