From Canadian Jewish News:
Representatives of religions from around the world will gather in Montreal on the fifth anniversary of 9/11 for a conference that aims to demonstrate that those of different beliefs can find common ground.
Organziers of World’s Religions After September 11: A Global Congress, to be held from Sept. 11 to 15 at the Palais des Congrès, say their goal – about 18 religions will be represented, including Judaism – is to restore a more positive image of religion.
Congress president Arvind Sharma, the Birks professor of comparative religion in McGill University’s religious studies faculty, said at the official announcement of the event that the perception of religion in general, not just Islam, has suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The arrest of 17 Muslim terrorist suspects in Toronto has only underscored the need for reflection in an ecumenical spirit, he added.
Now he tells us! If only this conference had been held before the arrests.
Confirmed as a speaker is Rabbi David Rosen, a former chief rabbi of Ireland and international director of interreligious relations with the American Jewish Committee, based in its Jerusalem office.
Last August, he was named president of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC), which represents organized world Jewry in its relations with other international religious bodies, notably the Vatican . . .
The Montreal conference is using the broadest definition for inclusion, choosing the term “world’s religions” rather than “world religions” to allow for participation by such smaller or lesser known faiths as African or American Indian religions, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and even Paganism and Wicca, which do not fit the conventional understanding of religion.
Whatever makes them happy.
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