The world’s religions aspire to peace. Nonetheless, they are often, unfortunately, involved in conflicts and violent actions. This was the paradox at the centre of an interreligious symposium on violence, peace and religions held in recent days at the ecumenical Institute of Bossey (Geneva) on the initiative of the World Council of Churches. The symposium was addressed by representatives of the Jewish, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities, from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and America. At the end of the meeting, the participants decided to set up a network to exchange information, participate in and promote actions aimed at raising the awareness of public opinion, and to organize actions of solidarity. The representatives of the various religions also pledged to organize joint campaigns for the promotion of peace such as fasts, days of non-violence and celebrations in favour of life.
