On 4 February 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, signed the document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” in Abu Dhabi. This important initiative marked the 800th anniversary of the meeting between St. Francis and Sultan Al Malik Al Kamal, by inviting Christians, Muslims, and the faithful of other religions to work for reconciliation and peace-building anywhere in the world.
A year later, on 21 December 2021, the UN declared February 4th as the “International Day of Human Fraternity”. The UN General Assembly invited the Member States, the UN system, and all stakeholders to observe this date in a manner each considers appropriate to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Taking inspiration from the teachings of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and responding to the call of the United Nations, the Islamic Studies Association (ISA), Vidyajyoti College of Theology, New Delhi, and the Secretariat for Service of Faith in South Asia, jointly organize a series of webinars to celebrate the “International Day of Human Fraternity” and promote the spirit of reconciliation and peace among all men and women.
The Religion & Security Council (RSC) is glad to present these three events:
7 February 2022 – 09:45 (GMT+5:30)
The Future of Christianity in West Asia (Lebanon and Syria): Fears and Hopes
Prof. Edward Joseph Alam, Notre Dame University-Louaize (Lebanon).
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6046071722?pwd=aUZSekNOb3ZWZjdTMWNJa2YxUEIrUT09
8 February 2022 – 17:30 (GMT+5:30)
The Biblical Material in the Qur’an: Perspectives for theological engagements with Islam
Prof. Gabriel Said Reynolds, University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA)
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6046071722?pwd=aUZSekNOb3ZWZjdTMWNJa2YxUEIrUT09
9 February 2022 – 17:30 (GMT+5:30)
Christian de Cherge: His Spirituality and its Relevance
Prof. Christian S. Krokus, University of Scranton (Pennsylvania, USA)
The webinars are coordinated by Dr. Fr. Joseph Victor Edwin SJ, Secretary of the Islamic Studies Association (ISA) and RSC Senior Fellow.
Along the lines of the “Human Fraternity” document, the Religion & Security Council (RSC) promoted the “Tripoli Human Fraternity Day”, a major interreligious forum for youth and religious leaders that took place in Tripoli, Lebanon, on 6 October 2019.