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Peace, religion and 'dialogue between people'
 Religious Dialogue Edited by Dr Mahdi Abdul Hadi Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs (PASSIA), Jerusalem, 1999 Pp. 81 RELIGION SHAPES the identity of human culture, values, relationships and actions. It has the power to unite and the power to divide people. For religious differences, many conflicts and violence erupted throughout the world. However, many people believe that such differences can be enriching and make a unique contribution to a society. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, there was increased need to work towards an improved understanding between the various religious communities of the three monotheistic faiths. PASSIA publishes a series of bulletins, each addressing one of the outstanding issues related to the Palestinian-Israeli issues. Among its publications is “Religious dialogue”, a selection of meetings and lectures that took place at Jerusalem during the years 1995-1998. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, head of PASSIA, explains in the book introduction that the reasons behind publishing such a book is “to make a valuable contribution to the promotion of the respect of others and shaping a pluralistic society where religious diversity is appreciated as part of the heritage of those who live there”. According to Abdul Hadi, the fact that in our region the encounter between peoples of very different religious traditions takes place in the close proximity of cities and neighbourhoods has always given issues pertaining to religion and interfaith a special place within PASSIA's regular meeting programme. The book, says Abdul Hadi, offers a valuable insight into the numerous aspects and debates related to faith and interfaith issues that dominate the discussion in contemporary Palestine. By engaging in an open and sensitive dialogue among believers of different faiths, explains Abdul Hadi, each side can learn from the other and help promote better understanding and cooperation, while acknowledging their differences. “This is particularly important in the case of Palestine and Israel, where the encounter between people of very different religious traditions — each inspired by a unique vision of the divine and with a distinct cultural identity — takes place in the close proximity of cities and neighbourhoods,” he says. Giries Khoury, head of Al Liqa Centre for Religious and Heritage Studies in Bethlehem, presents a Christian point of view on the relationship between church and state. He writes that the presence and role of the Palestinian church in political and social life should be greater than what it is today and that its voice should be heard more clearly. “The prophetic voice of the Palestinian church should be heard by the Christian, the Muslim, and the Jew and many Palestinian and Israeli politicians and the whole world hear it,” writes Khoury. According to PASSIA's director, “there will never be peace in the Middle East without peace between the religions, and peace between the religions can only be achieved through dialogue between the people”. The book can be found at Bustan Lil Kutob bookstore in Shmeisani. Hada Sarhan Monday, December 8, 2003 |