(Daniele Rocchi, SIR’s correspondent in Lyons) If we consider open conflicts and terrorism, religions are often seen as vehicles of war rather than vehicles of peace. But what are the friction points between societies and religions? Danièle Herveu-Léger tried to answer this question at the opening day’s first session of the Social Week of France on the theme "Religions, a threat or a hope for our societies?" which opened today in Lyons. "The main friction points are represented by biotechnologies, the defence of human life from conception to natural end, and male-female diversity," he said. "Points of view may differ, but religions are not a threat to society, in virtue of the separation existing between Church and society. On the contrary, they represent a soft attempt to fill the actual vacuum of nowadays societies," he added. In fact, they are a true ethical heritage, yet a resource to be exploited. "Nevertheless, they must ban every form of fundamentalism," he concluded. The week is being attended by some 4,000 participants from across France, and from different European countries, namely Eastern countries such as Slovakia, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria and Croatia. ” ” ” ” ” “
