Religious freedom essential to just world, cardinal says in Qatar

Published: 2004-05-27

DOHA, Qatar (CNS) -- Freedom of religion is not a threat to society; rather, authentic belief helps build a more peaceful, just and fraternal world, said a Vatican official at a Muslim-Christian conference in Qatar. "Political leaders have nothing to fear from true believers. On the contrary, believers who are recognized and respected for who they are will be more inclined to work together for a society of which they are full members," said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. The cardinal, now the Vatican's archivist, was the Vatican's foreign affairs minister while the Holy See was establishing diplomatic ties with the Persian Gulf state of Qatar. He spoke May 27 at the opening ceremony marking the second Muslim-Christian dialogue conference in Qatar. The conference centered on a May 27-29 meeting of the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Muslims.

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