The third meeting of the European Council of Religious Leaders/Religions for peace (ECRL) is due to be held in Brussels from 7 to 10 November. During the meeting the ECRL document with the title “The European Council of Religious Leaders/Religions for peace (ECRL) An appeal for partnership for peace and stability in Europe” will be discussed in the presence of Cardinal Godfried Danneels, archbishop of Malines-Bruxelles. “We recognize the importance of the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation, institutions that have united nations that considered themselves enemies until a few years ago”, declares the document drafted by the coalition that brings together senior religious leaders of the historic religions of Europe Christianity, Judaism, Islam as well as Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian exponents resident in the continent and dedicated to cooperation in the prevention of conflicts, peaceful co-existence and reconciliation. Nonetheless, continues the appeal, “we firmly believe that these organizations have a need for partners” since “only cooperation between governments, organizations, the private sector, civil society and religious communities can successfully tackle the challenges” of the continent. “The ECRL was established precisely with the aim of offering such collaboration”. “When we cooperate together conclude the religious leaders our objective is not to support doctrines or dogmas, but to promote the sharing of moral responsibility and commitment”. In this spirit they hope to “work in partnership with the European institutions”.
