Belgium" "
An appeal to the citizens and authorities of Belgium to promote peace in every sphere, accompanied by the firm rejection of exploiting the name of God to justify wars: that is the essence of a joint declaration issued by the Concertation of the Christian Churches, the central Jewish Consistory and the Moslem Executive of Belgium on the occasion of the UN’s “International Peace Day” held on 21 September. “As representatives of the various religions of Belgium, we invite the authorities and all citizens to construct day after day the civilization of peace, so precious yet so fragile”, write the signatories of the letter, affirming that “citizens and authorities”, in equal measure, “must assume their responsibility in every sphere of society to promote and safeguard peace”. “We also express the desire that religion and the name of God be no longer abused to justify war, blind violence and oppression. The name of the God in whom we believe is justice, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace”, declare the religious leaders. “The advent of a just, tolerant and peaceful society in our country and throughout the world”, is the final wish expressed by the document.
