Religious leaders want no coersion for changing religous beliefs

New Delhi, July 8 (UNI) The recently concluded World Summit of Religious Leaders at Moscow upheld the principle that the individuals and groups must be immune from coercion and none should be forced to act in a manner contrary to his religious beliefs.

Inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the conference from July three to five emphasised the need for maintaining communal harmony.

The resolution adopted by the delegates from 49 countries representing the faiths of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Budhism, Hinduism and Shintoism from July three to five, said it was imporant to take into account the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.

Condemning terrorism and extremism in any form as well as attempts to justify them in the name of religion, the resolution said, ''We consider it our duty to oppose enmity on political, ethnic and religious grounds. Using religion as a means to rouse hatred against individuals is a major challenge today. This issue can be effectively addressed only through education, moral information, school, mass media and by religious leaders.'' The summit said ''We want the religion to lay solid foundation for peace and dialogue among the civilisations and it should not be used as a means for dividing people.

Addressing the meet Swamiji Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puthige Udupi Mutt said India had a tolerant approach towards all religions.

The Summit, chaired by Allexy II, the patriarch of Moscow also called upon the people to end insult to religious feelings and defilement of texts, symbols, names or places held sacred by believers.

On using natural resources, the meet suggested that all the governments and business community alike should be responsible towards the resources of the planet. ''These resources should be used for the benefit of everyone and all nations had the right to use technologies for their betterment in a positive way.

Touching upon poverty, the religious leaders said besides just international trade, active humanitarian involvement will help to over come poverty and hunger suffered by billions. Poverty and social vulnerability are the causes of mass migration generating problems in both rich and poor countries. Concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is a global tragedy.

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