“We have seen how fragile is the common house of mankind. New challenges are today putting at risk a world order that seemed indestructible. We resolutely declare: terrorism and violence must be rejected in an absolute way”. The declaration is contained in a message published on the conclusion of the 6th World Council of the Russian Peoples held in Moscow in recent days. It brought together representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, leaders of Islam and of other religious traditions, exponents of public organizations, academics, politicians and intellectuals, as well as delegates from the Ukraine and Belorus. Pluralism and cooperation between the religions are the two ways indicated by the Council to guarantee a stable peace. “The world says the joint message cannot be constructed on the basis of a single model of civilization, on a single view of life, or on a single religion. Every attempt to establish an ideological monopoly … brings with it a grave danger”. “Only a global human community capable of harmonizing its differences it continues may be sustainable and peaceful”. The Russians too reject the interpretation according to which a clash between civilizations is taking place in the world after 11 September. The declaration appeals to all the great religious traditions, Christians, Moslems, Jews and Buddhists: “We ask that interreligious dialogue and cooperation be developed. Only together shall we be capable of defeating terrorism and forging a lasting peace”. Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow also spoke during the meeting. “The tragedy that recently struck the United States he said has demonstrated once again how closely interlinked are the States and Nations of the world. It is only by acting together that we can combat the evil of terrorism”.
