International Symposium on Interfaith Dialogue Kicks Off in Abidjan with Participation of Morocco

23 February 2022 Printable Version

Abidjan - An international symposium on interfaith dialogue, organized by the Superior Council of Imams, Mosques and Islamic Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire (COSIM) and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema, opened Wednesday in Abidjan.

Placed under the theme "The eternal message of religions", this symposium seeks to support the sustainability of peace in Africa and Côte d'Ivoire through interfaith dialogue as well as the continuity of the eternal message of religions on peace in the world, in addition to opening channels for exchange and listening between the followers of the Muslim and Christian religions in Côte d'Ivoire and Africa, explained the organizers.

This three-day meeting also aims to adopt the Abidjan Peace Declaration by the various religious and social actors.

The symposium will feature several interventions which will discuss subjects related to five themes, namely "family and school", "Ivorian and African civil society", "the training and awareness of religious leaders", "religions, communication and preaching" and "public authorities and religious actors faced with the phenomenon of radicalization and violent religious extremism".

The theme chosen for this meeting is in itself an active proposal to contribute to and participate in the concretization of interfaith dialogue between the different faiths, underline the organizers in a note presenting the symposium which is driven by a highly symbolic approach that enshrines the exceptional virtues of "this magic word of Dialogue".

"Interfaith dialogue must underpin the collective response of all faiths to conflict and violence, often inspired by intolerance and intransigence,” it says.

The text recalls in this regard that the COSIM and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema have always advocated tolerance as a tradition of openness.

This international symposium, which brings together researchers and experts from all African backgrounds of Muslim and Christian faith, is attended by more than 600 participants, including the presidents and members of the 34 sections of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema.

This event is in line with the African vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful and President of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Oulema, who has always encouraged dialogue and development initiatives in Africa.