Sunni and Shi’ites unite in their effort to denounce Daesh

In a recent visit to Italy, WANA Institute Chairman HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, responded to Pope Francis’ call for universal condemnation of violent extremism in the name of religion. In a declaration signed by religious leaders of varying faiths, the actions of so-called “Islamist” groups such as Daesh, Boko Haram and Shabab were denounced for their violation of Shari’a and their senseless acts of violence.

The call to action, which specifically condemned the use of religion and religious terms to legitimise unjust actions, was signed by numerous religious leaders including Bishop Chane; Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue; Ayatollah Seyyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad of Iran; along with HRH Prince Hassan. The declaration also explicitly called out the need for greater participation of women in the interreligious process.

HRH was visiting Rome to participate in the Third Catholic-Muslim Summit organised by the Pontifical Council for Interrreligious Dialogue.  The theme of the summit was “Christians and Muslims: Believers Living in Society” and drew global religious leaders of Sunni, Shi’ite and Christian faiths.

The declaration builds further on other statements and movements in the West Asia – North Africa (WANA) region that have also denounced violence in the name of religion. Although not widely publicised, numerous faith-based actors are pursuing peace in conflicts around the world, including in the WANA region. They are involved in conflict zones working in advocacy, negotiation, peace education, intra- and interfaith dialogue, shuttle diplomacy, local peace committees and mediation.

You can learn more about the conference and the declaration through the Vatican Radio coverage.

Photo courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano.