International Religious Conference Concludes With Deep Hope For Future

7 September 2007

Participants in the International Religious Conference “Exploring Christian-Muslim Relations in the Middle East and the West” held at Bethlehem University concluded their three days of presentations and exchanges today. The presenters and participants from Germany , Switzerland , France , Belgium , Sweden , Israel , the United States , Philippines , and Palestine left the Conference with a better understanding of and a deeper responsibility for the future of Christian-Muslim relations in their respective communities.

“Inter-religious dialogue is possible,” said Fr. Jamal Khader, Cardinal Hume and Cardinal de Furstenberg Endowed Chair of Religious Studies at Bethlehem University , Palestine . “Our belief in God, in human beings and in the power of education pushes us to be optimists.” The challenge now, as it has always been, is how to continue this dialogue in a way that will produce concrete change. Fears and misconceptions must be addressed, people must be educated and dialogue must be initiated.

Dr. Werner Wertgen, a Professor of Theology from Katholische Fachhochschule, University of Applied Sciences , Germany , said that it was imperative to understand the context in which the religious communities live before initiating dialogue. One conference participant, George Rishmawi from the Siraj Center in Beit Sahour, called dialogue a tool for justice, while Pr. Vincent Hanssens, former general secretary of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), said, “Dialogue is the responsibility of every citizen of a multi-cultural society.”

Many noted the extreme importance of academic institutions in not only providing a space for dialogue to take place, but in making concerted efforts at initiating this dialogue and focusing it further. Presenters agreed that Bethlehem University was the ideal venue for such initiatives, considering its location in the Holy Land , the crossroads of the three monotheistic religions. Fr. Henri de La Hougue, Vice-Director of the Institut de science et de théologie des religions (ISTR) in Paris , said “Because Bethlehem is located in an area where the culture and history is the same, you have a great opportunity to build a model for the whole world. Bethlehem University is showing us that dialogue is possible and fruitful.”

Dr. Eduardo Domingo, Associate Professor in the Theology and Religious Education Department at De La Salle University in the Philippines , among others, commented that the participation of Bethlehem University students in the conference was essential and most appreciated. “I loved having the students because I see the sincerity of these young people. It gives us home and the impetus to work for them and for the future,” Dr. Domingo said.

Under the auspices of the Cardinal Hume and Cardinal de Furstenberg Endowed Chair of Religious Studies at Bethlehem University, which was established through the generosity of the Friends of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land (F0BU), it was suggested that Bethlehem University hold a yearly international religious conference on inter-religious dialogue. Father Jamal, Chair of the Department, concluded saying, “We believe in what we are doing. With the on-going support of our friends and benefactors, and the blessings of God, we at Bethlehem University will do whatever it takes to continue inter-religious dialogue in the Holy Land .”

The International Religious Conference at Bethlehem University presented over fifteen discussions about Christian-Muslim relations and dialogue in 11 countries around the world, including Egypt , Palestine , the U.S. , and the Philippines . Its main aim was to address the challenges of coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East and the West by sharing the personal experiences of academics and students alike.

Bethlehem University thanks all of its guests, students, faculty and staff for participating in and contributing to the conference. For their generous support in making this conference possible, the University community gives special thanks to its partners: the Friends of Bethlehem University in the UK (FoBU), the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and an anonymous donor.

Conference proceedings will be available shortly after the Conference. For more information, please contact religiousconference@bethlehem.edu