Peace is Possible<br/><br/>
Over 800 religious delegates from over 100 countries including Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, participated in the 8th World Assembly of Religious for Peace conference held in Kyoto, Japan between August 26 and 29. “At a time when religion is being manipulated by extremists, the religious leaders gathered in Kyoto are showing the whole world that religious communities can indeed illuminate the path to peace when they work together”, stated Dr. Vendley, General Secretary of the conference.<br/><br/>
The 800 delegates, from more than 100 countries, were Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Shinto leaders.<br/><br/>
Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish religious leaders from Iraq, presently in conflict in their country, stated in a common declaration: “We have dialogued with boldness, courage and trust. We now walk on this path of dialogue. God willing, we will reach a green line of peace for all of Iraq”.<br/><br/>
The Hindu and Buddhist representatives from Sri Lanka publicly shook hands heartily and demanded a cease-fire and the resumption of peace talks.<br/><br/>
Chiara Lubich, an honorary president of the conference, put great emphasis on “love that unites”, “which each one of us, starting from ourselves, can give rise to in all our relationships”. Up to the point “highlighting together, with reciprocal love, the presence of Someone who transcends us and who is infinitely greater than us”. “A new presence of God which leads to tolerance, forgiveness, peace, joy and which lights the flame of love which brings men in communion with each other, lights the path of existence and which cannot but penetrate everybody’s heart”.<br/><br/>
P.S.: In a world that looks hopeless at times, there exist the young shoots of peace among the “roots of love”.