Social Harmony and Religious Identities

A discussion on foundations for a true dialogue among religions

A presentation by Mr. John M. KLINK, President, International Catholic Migration Commission, H.E. Ambassador Tariq AL-ANSARI, Chief of Cabinet to the High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, and H.E. Ambassador Oscar DE ROJAS, Professor of UN Studies at Long Island University and former Director of the UN's Financing for Development Office

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center, AVSI-USA, Inc., and the World Youth Alliance

One of the great themes of our time is how to foster a true dialogue between peoples and civilizations, in an age where technology, mass migrations and economic globalization are bringing the world's peoples and cultures in ever closer contact. This topic, however, raises some deep philosophical questions. It is very easy to think that dialogue requires us to embrace some form of relativism, in the sense of hiding or watering down our own identity in order to reach out for others. A moment of reflection, however, shows that the very opposite is true. The only possible basis for dialogue is our common humanity, with its deep questions and desires, which find expression in the richness of religions and cultures. Giving up on our own identity means precisely giving up on the human yearning for truth, beauty and justice that is the only possible ground for dialogue. A few months ago this idea was beautifully expressed by Pope Benedict XVI in his Christmas address to the Roman curia:

"True, dialogue does not aim at conversion, but at better mutual understanding – that is correct. But all the same, the search for knowledge and understanding always has to involve drawing closer to the truth. Both sides in this piece-by-piece approach to truth are therefore on the path that leads forward and towards greater commonality, brought about by the oneness of the truth." The event is open to the public and free of charge.

About this Event

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Church of the Holy Family Auditorium
315 East 47th Street ( btw. 1st and 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
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About the Speakers

Amb. Tariq Al-Ansari
Chief of Cabinet to the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

Mr. John M. Klink
President, International Catholic Migration Commission

Amb. Oscar de Rojas
Professor of UN Studies at Long Island University and former Director of the UN's Financing for Development Office

Invitation

Download here

Article of Interest

Benedict XVI on Interreligious Dialogue

Transcripts

Read the statement of H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser Read John Klink's talk

Video

Part I - Ambassador Tariq Al-Ansari

Part II - John Klink

Part III - Q&A

Photos - click on image below