Hindus urge new president of Conference of European Churches to promote interfaith dialogue

Nevada (US), Dec 21 (ANI): Congratulating Metropolitan Emmanuel of France on his election as president of Conference of European Churches (CEC), Hindus hope that he would promote interfaith dialogue in the world.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, hoped that CEC under Emmanuel would work for promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperating in common causes such as peace, ecological responsibility, social development, etc., with different religions and denominations. Dialogue brought us mutual enrichment and helped us overcome prejudices passed down to us from previous generations, Zed added.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out: "Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines. In our shared quest for the truth, we can learn from one another and thus come closer to the truth."

Zed lauded Metropolitan Emmanuel for reportedly highlighting in his acceptance speech the need to develop inter-religious dialogue.

Born in Greece, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, 51, is also president of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France, co-president of the Council of Christian Churches of France, and co-president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace. Central Committee of CEC, which met in Geneva from December 16-19, elected the new president, two vice presidents-Reverend Cordelia Kopsch and Bishop Christopher Hill, besides forming a seven member presidium.

Founded in 1959, CEC is an ecumenical fellowship of some 120 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe plus 40 associated organizations. Headquartered in Geneva with Venerable Colin Williams as General Secretary, it has offices in Brussels and Strasbourg also. It confesses the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the Scriptures and it seeks to help the European churches to renew their spiritual life and promote world peace.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)