The first international conference on the “culture of resistance” was recently held under the name of “Islamic World, a Victim of Terrorism” in Tehran.
The conference was organized by World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought and presided by Ayatollah Mohammad-Ali Taskhiri. The conference, held on 1 May 2007 at the International Center of Conferences of Islamic Countries, included a speech by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
An invitation to attend the conference was also sent to His Holiness Aram I, who delegated Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Primate of the Diocese of Tehran, to participate in the event on behalf of both the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Diocese. Speaking in Arabic, Archbishop Sebouh greeted the President of the Republic and the conference attendants on behalf of His Holiness Aram I. He then delivered a lecture in English on “Terrorism and Christianity.”
The Archbishop highlighted that the whole world has become a victim of terrorism and highlighted the role of religions in producing a culture of peace and coexistence through joint efforts and dialogue.
“Degrading any religion or a religious belief is terrorism. Crimes are committed in the name of religion and human rights but in reality they have nothing to do with religion, because religion seeks to guide people towards happiness, love, peace and mutual respect,” he said.
The conference attendants included lecturers and officials from several Arab, African and European countries, as well the United States, Canada and Australia.
Source: Newsletter of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, issue number 43/07
8 May 2007
Website: www.cathcil.org
