Congress of World Religions adopts final declaration

In the capital of Kazakhstan, the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is coming to the end. The final declaration was adopted. The announcement of the final document was provided by Joe Bailey Wells to the special representative of the Church of England, El.kz reports.

"We declare that we will make every effort to ensure that the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions continues its activities. We declare that the Congress plays an important role in the mission of strengthening dialogue for peace and cooperation. We call for the impact of the pandemic to be overcome only together. We urge national governments and organizations to provide assistance to all religious groups and communities that have been subjected to global abuse and violence by extremism and terrorism, as well as by military conflicts. We call on world leaders to desist from aggressive rhetoric that destabilizes the world and to stop the bloodshed in all corners of the world. We call on all world religious leaders to continue to develop dialogue in the name of friendship and solidarity," Wells said.

Pope Francis also addressed the forum participants with a final speech. He noted that any conflicts should be condemned regardless of their goals and motives.

"The declaration of our congress affirms that any incitement to hatred, violence, war, conflict, whatever motives they have, has nothing to do with the true religious spirit and should be rejected in the strongest terms, condemned without any excuses. We also emphasize the need to protect women, improve their social status, because she has equal rights in the family and in society.  We must give women the opportunity to participate in the important affairs of states. Another important point is young people. And here the most important thing is education, thanks to which mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence are strengthened," the Pope said.

The pontiff also thanked the people of Kazakhstan for the warm welcome.

"I thank the people of Kazakhstan - friendly brave, able to accept other cultures, preserving their history and valuable traditions," he said.

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