Interfaith conference in Brussels

More than 140 representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities gathered in Brussels on August 16 for an interfaith conference focused on peace, mutual respect and co-operation.

Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gathering brought together religious leaders and representatives from different traditions to discuss peaceful coexistence and ways of turning shared values into practical action.

Former Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mustafa Cerić was among the speakers. Drawing on his experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cerić emphasised the importance of trust, dialogue and mutual respect in building lasting peace.

Other speakers included Swami Bhairavananda Saraswati, Executive Director of Shiva Forum Europe and Sanatana Dharma Europe; Chief Rabbi David Rosen, Co-International President of Religions for Peace and former Chief Rabbi of Ireland; human rights advocate Hans Noot, founder of the Gerard Noodt Foundation; and Rev. Dr. Christiaan Vonck, Dean of the Faculty of Comparative Religious Studies in Antwerp.

Participants also took part in a meditation on peace and loving-kindness led by The Most Venerable Phra Rajavisuddhivides of Wat Thaidhammaram.

From dialogue to community action
The conference concluded with a community service initiative supporting children living in refugee and reception centres in Brussels. Participants assembled 400 school backpacks containing educational supplies, providing a practical expression of the conference's emphasis on service and co-operation.

Organisers said the gathering was inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, particularly his teachings on love, compassion and selfless service. They encouraged participants from different religious traditions to work together on initiatives benefiting their communities.

Brussels, home to European institutions and a wide range of religious and cultural communities, provided a setting for representatives of different faiths to exchange views and identify areas of common purpose.

The conference demonstrated how interfaith dialogue can extend beyond discussion to practical community initiatives, bringing together religious communities around shared concerns such as peace, service and social cohesion.

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