Damascus, (SANA) - Director of Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro Foundation Salah el-Din Kuftaro affirmed on Saturday that all religions come from the same source and share the same goals, and that they all call to peace, communication, cooperation, amity and high moral standards.
During a seminar at the foundation on religious identities, pluralism and the role of religious institutes in pluralist societies, Canada Research Chair on Islam, Pluralism, and Globalization at the University of Montreal Patrice Brodeur pointed out to coexistence in Syria, expressing admiration of Syria's role in bolstering dialogue among religions and civilizations, and denouncing the use of religion for other purposes.
For his part, founder and editor of al-Maarej magazine Sheikh Hussein Shehada stressed the importance of dialogue in establishing justice and peace and adhering to religious values.
Canada's Ambassador in Damascus Mark Bailey expressed his respect of Islamic values and his country's condemnation of offending Islam, calling Canadian media to refrain from offending religious symbols. He also admired the tolerance and stability witnessed in Syria.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2007
