Scholars gather in Lebanon to discuss living together in peace

Published: 2005-10-25

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Scholars from 18 countries and differing faiths gathered in Lebanon in late October to discuss ways to live together peacefully. "Unfortunately, the (Middle East) region has become a haven for religious conflicts," said Maronite Father Antoine Ahmar, rector of Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon. "The situation in the Middle East requires people to find the means to promote tolerance and cooperation between the different religions," Father Ahmar said. "We, as religious men, academics and researchers are obliged to find the means to set up a new rhetoric based on the principles of love and tolerance." The conference, called "God and the Right to Be Different," brought together more than 75 people -- including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists -- Oct. 20-22. Seminars and round-table discussions covered a wide range of spiritual, educational, legal, anthropological and philosophical issues relating to unity among religions.

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