Religious Leaders Gather in Astana, Urging Dialogue
Religious Leaders Gather in Astana to Promote Dialogue and Peace
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, hosted the 21st session of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions on October 11. The round table brought together representatives of various religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, and others. The aim of the gathering was to emphasize the importance of dialogue in addressing escalating conflicts.
Maulen Ashimbayev, chairperson of the Senate and chairman of the Secretariat of the Congress, drew attention to the 20th anniversary of the event. Since 2003, Astana has hosted seven congresses, as well as numerous meetings. More than 30 agreements on cooperation have been signed with international organizations. Ashimbayev highlighted the qualitative results achieved through the congress’s work, including the establishment of global interreligious dialogue, international relations, and the contribution to the harmonious development of a multiconfessional society in Kazakhstan.
In his speech, Ashimbayev expressed concern about provocateurs who manipulate religious beliefs for their own gain. He condemned actions such as burning sacred scriptures and insulting religious symbols, describing them as vandalism that incites hostility between peoples and religions. Ashimbayev emphasized that these actions have nothing to do with freedom of speech and called on religious leaders to play a crucial role in promoting peace and a new world order.
Nazir Mohamed Mohamed Elnazir Ayad, secretary general of Al-Azhar Islamic Research Academy, expressed his support for the congress’s work. He highlighted the need for wisdom and a call for peace in a world filled with conflicts and wars. Ayad emphasized the importance of coexistence and interaction based on righteousness in Islam. He urged religious leaders to spread these ideas and to be unbiased in their approach.
Pu Zheng, deputy secretary general of the Buddhist Association of China, praised organizations like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for their role in promoting peace and dialogue. He emphasized the necessity of mutual understanding among civilizations and called for greater exchanges and dialogues to maintain world peace.
Master Li Xinjun, chief administrator of Beijing Baiyunguan Monastery, discussed the ethical duty of faith leaders to address global conflict. He stressed the importance of using religious wisdom to resolve prejudices and conflicts between people, countries, and civilizations. Li emphasized the value of human life and the need to establish a desire for peace and tranquility in the world. He called for a change of heart in people prone to extremism and proposed providing material assistance to improve their lives.
Jo Bailey Wells, deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion and Bishop, highlighted the impact of political conflicts on everyone. She called on religious authorities to involve religious communities more in their work, particularly in crisis preparedness. Wells emphasized the opportunity for religious leaders to lead in building trust and breaking the cycle of rage and revenge. She also stressed the importance of expanding women’s representation and involvement in leadership positions.
The gathering of religious leaders in Astana serves as a reminder of the critical role that dialogue plays in addressing conflicts and promoting peace. Through their collective efforts, these leaders aim to foster understanding, harmony, and cooperation among different religious communities, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and inclusive world.
