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Inter-religious Cooperation and Solutions to Causes of Conflict
Christopher Davies
May 2, 2006
UPF-Netherlands
Netherlands
On April 22, 2006, the Dutch Chapter of the Universal Peace Federation (Federatie voor Universele Vrede) held a one-day conference in Hotel Huize Glory in north Holland under the auspices of The Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace. Most of the conference was conducted in Dutch. The theme of the conference was "Inter-religious Cooperation and Solutions to the Fundamental Causes of Conflict."
The main feature of the morning, after a video presentation about UPF, was a talk by Hans Campman, Director of Education, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, who spoke on IIFWP's Vision, which stresses how the fundamental causes of conflict lie within the individual and family—and that the role of every religion is to help resolve these conflicts and that religions should cooperate towards this end.
Mr. Campman mentioned that the "Three Religions of the Book" all contain the story of Adam & Eve and Cain & Abel and that other religions had similar stories. The hope of God was that conflicts within and between the parents might be resolved by their sons, which Jacob and Esau partially achieved. Throughout history there were always individuals and groups who seemed to be more—or less—blessed. It was up to "Abels" to avoid being arrogant and to share their blessing; and for "Cains" to assume responsibility also.
After discussion and an excellent lunch, Ir. Hikmat Mahawat Khan addressed the conference theme. As chairman of the Amadiyya Movement in The Hague, he is active not only within his own group, nor only within the Islamic community, but he also works at the national level to promote better understanding and cooperation between all religious groups. He explained the different groupings of Moslems and how Islam embraced all the great prophets. He also proclaimed that the only solution to conflict was for Cain and Abel to put aside their differences and seek to work together
After a showing of the video "The World at a Turning Point" and a summary of the day's discussion by UPF-Netherlands Secretary General Wim Koetsier, three new Ambassadors for Peace were presented with Certificates of Appointment.
Ms. Y. Kafouri, originally from Syria, is a Christian who devotes herself to helping children with relationship difficulties. Her certificate was presented by Ambassador for Peace Imam Hanza Kailani, who had nominated her, as wonderful expression of inter-religious cooperation, saying that, on a personal level, she was like a daughter to him.
Mr. Paulino Garna, from East Timor, has for many years been working to improve the lives of his fellow countrymen. A Roman Catholic, he still devotes his life to peaceful reconciliation, despite having lost his whole family in the conflict.
The conference ended with High Tea, preceded by a Toast to World Peace.
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