Women and Public Engagement: A Faith Perspective

Thursday, April 18^th, 2013

Auditorium Giovanni Paolo II  Pontificia Università Urbaniana

Via Urbano VIII 16, Rome

A woman's natural inclinations make her a key player in society as well as in the family. As an educator in the family she has an important role for future generations. As a political leader, she can be a balancing element in the society, considering her talent for caring people. For human rights, for children. As a participant in public services and as an educator in schools and universities, she has a very important role to play.

Women of Faith are thus a driving force in our society, but this force is still seeking
recognition.

During this meeting, four prominent women of faith will give their testimonies about
engagement in today's world and open the floor for discussion

Musdah Mulia - Muslim Perspective - Research Professor of the Indonesian Institute of sciences

Barthi Tailor - Hindu Perspective - President of the Hindu Forum of Europe

Tova Hartman- Jewish Perspective - Prof Gender Studies at Bar Ilan University Israel

Jane Adolphe- Christian Perspective - Prof of Law at Ave Maria School of law, Florida (USA), Secretariat of State Vatican

IFIIE wishes to thank for their contributions in organizing the event : the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See, The Pontifical University Urbaniana, The Russell Berrie Foundation and the collaboration of the Italian Women of Faith Network-Religions for Peace.

 "ISLAM, SHARI‛A AND DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE ARAB WORLD"

May 22, 2012 -  15.00

Venue: Palazzo Caetani, Via Michelangelo Caetani 32, Rome

Speaker: 

Prof. Abdullahi  An-Na‛im

Charles Howard Candler Professor of Law - Emory University (USA) 

Discussants: 

Prof. Gokhan Bacik        

Head - Center for Strategic Middle Eastern Studies, Zirve University (Turkey)

H.E. Lamia Mekhemar

Ambassador Republic of Egypt to the Holy See

The ongoing events in the Arab World may be an opportunity for Islam to bring about political, economic and social transformations in countries such as, for example, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The Conference will be an occasion to discuss the role of external and native actors in the advancement of democracy, human rights and religious freedom in countries affected by the Arab Spring.

The conference has been organized by the Foundation IFIIE with the contribution of Istituto Tevere - Centro Pro Dialogo.

The present world economic crisis, sparked more by a weakened ethical sense than by a failure of the infrastructures, calls for a renewed reflection on the ethics of finance and business. In this context, religions can play a great role in bringing to mind the universal values of fraternity and cooperation underlying an equitable and just market-economy. The Conference is meant to offer to the diplomatic corps, members of the finance world and executives an opportunity of reflection on the common principles of financial ethics shared by religions and cultures. Speakers:

Prof. Maurizio Comoli -Vice President del Banco Popolare -Italia

Prof. Dr. Hatem El Karanshawy - Dean  Faculty of Islamic Studies-Qatar Foundation-Qatar

Prof. Ettore Gotti Tedeschi - President of Institute for Religious Works( IOR )Vatican

Prof. Martin Schlag - Director of Markets, Culture,Ethics Program, PUSC- Rome

Organizer of the Conference is the IFIIE Foundation whose goal is to educate leaders to a better understanding of other religious traditions and cultures through a study and discovery of both spiritual differences as well as shared values. In collaboration with the "Markets, Culture and Ethics Project" of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

                                          We are grateful for the support of 

             BANCO POPOLARE Guppo Bancario                      AVIVA Assicurazioni

    At the opening session, the Minister of Justice , HE Mr. Hassan Bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, welcomed the participants and highlighted the need to follow up this year Conference with concrete resolutions. The conference addressed five major themes:

• The Emergence of Communication Technology, History and Development
• The benefits of using social media in interfaith dialogue
• Reflection on the use of the social media in the communities
• The pros and cons of the social communication in serving interfaith dialogue issues
• Developing religious framework and ethical regulations to protect societies from misuse of social networking tools

During the conference, parallel workshops have introduced participants to different social media such as: twitter, facebook and wordpress. The use and potential of these media has been demonstrated by a team of very skilled professional thus offering an opportunity for beginners to get practically acquainted on the use of these powerful  communication tools also in interfaith matters. A tentative proposal for a set of Principles of Conduct in using electronic social media has been presented by the International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education (IFIIE).

• 1. The conference urged DICID to develop a forum, using electronic social media, in order to enhance interfaith dialogue at the local, regional and international levels.
• 2. Recommendations have been made for DICID to develop further effective communication with Religious Authorities and with women and men of faith all over the world that will result in respect of religions and symbols.

On December 14-15, 2011 in Rome the Interdisciplinary Conference on Sharing Sacred Space has taken place.

    The purpose of the conference has been to discuss the philosophy and theology of sacred space in the Abrahamic religions: panels of distinguished philosophers and theologians have discussed the issue of sharing sacred space. This religious question has many practical consequences. If it is the case that is what is a sacred place to me is "defiled" by you (the ‘other') entering upon it, we need to know this. If there are situations where under religious law sacred space can be shared we need to know that as well. While the conference has explored examples of "popular religion" and space-sharing the focus has been on theology, philosophy, and law.

    The conference has been quite innovative since - in the past -  there has been little, if any, academic discussion of sharing sacred space from a religious and particularly religious law perspective. What there has been has been sociological or anthropological only.

While there have been  some papers on sacred space in Europe (Balkans) and India the bulk of the practical examples have focused on sacred space in the holy land.

    The conference has been cosponsored by the Interdisciplinary Program in Law and Religion, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; the International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Brigham Young University; the International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Foundation (IFIIE) and the John Paul II Institute at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

The General Assembly,
1. Reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace;
2. Proclaims the first week of February of every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs;
3. Encourages all States to support, on a voluntary basis, the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, Temples and other places of Worship during that week based on Love of God and Love of the Neighbor, or based on Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the General Assembly informed of the implementation of the present resolution.

   The Foundation IFIIE strongly supports this initiative for its potential to sensitize to and improve interreligious understanding.

    The prize was presented on 12 September at the Eight Annual Interdependence Day Forum.  In announcing the award, Benjamin R. Barber, president of CivWorld and chairman of Interdependence Day, described Imam Sajid as a tireless and selfless bridge builder and peace maker working for world peace for many years. 
    "For all of his life since the age of 14 when he became an Imam he has been working for peace, justice, love and harmony among different cultures and communities. He was an adviser to President Clinton on the Middle East, especially for the Palestine/Israel conflict. Imam Sajid was adviser to Rt Hon Tony Blair from 1997-2006. Imam Sajid services for resolving the Kashmir conflict are well documented", Benjamin R. Barber said.
     In accepting the award Imam Sajid said: "In response to the tragic events of 9/11 attacks, Dr Barber's response to Celebrate 12 September as Interdependence Day was the best. People in the world are dependent upon each other and we all need to find joint and common solutions to our common challenges. I feel honoured and humbled to be awarded this year's Interdependence Day Award. I salute Professor Benjamin Barber, founder chairman of Interdependence Day for his vision and commitment for peace. I strongly believe in the age of co-operation and partnership that there is no alternative to dialogue. That is why I joined this interdependence movement and have been attending its celebrations from the very beginning"

Imam Sajid has been serving in the  Advisory Board of Foundation IFIIE since its establishment in 2005.

Other addresses stressed the importance of this dialogue initiative, amongst whom: Dr. Samuel Kobia Secretary General of WCC, Dr. Nava Natheem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr. Abdullah Al.Turki Secretary General World Muslim League.The participants - in the final statement - called for the deepening of positive relationships amongst people of the world. In particular, the following important premises were emphasized:

Quote From Final Statement

a) Rejection of racial discrimination and racial superiority. People are equal in human dignity; they are not superior by race, colour or gender.

b) Diversity among human beings should result in mutual understanding and cooperation.

c) Differences in human beings and diversity of ethnicities, races and religions is a fact permitted by God; it is thus incumbent on the wise people . despite their differences . to seek common grounds through which to achieve mutual respect and understanding for the happiness of humanity.

d) (...) family disintegration and the decay of moral values (...) call for close cooperation to alleviate these problems through sharing our experience and expertise that contribute to effective solutions.

Unquote

The general impression is that King Abdullah has done his part in paving the foundations of this historic "Initiative for Interfaith Dialogue" by visiting the Vatican, meeting the Pope, organizing the Madrid conference in 2008 and bringing together world leaders at the UN General Assembly to discuss the initiative. The momentum is therefore favourable to make progress in the understanding between different cultures, create respect and work for the common good.

The Foundation IFIIE has been invited to this important event by Dr. Abdullah Al-Turki Secretary General Muslim World League.

The event has been historic and not only because it was convened by the King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, but  because in addition to Christians and Jews - regarded by Muslims as religions of the book - the King convened as dialogue partners also Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs.

The King stated in his address "..Islam is a religion of moderation and tolerance, a message that calls for constructive dialogue among followers of religions.." and "...the tragedies that have occurred in human history were not due to religion, but were the result of extremism with which some adherents of every divinely revealed religion, and of every political ideology, have been afflicted..." He continued by saying "...if we wish this historic meeting to succeed we must focus on the common denominators that unite us, namely, deep faith in God, noble principles, and lofty moral values which constitute the essence of religion".

Finally King Abdullah highlighted the responsibility of man "...he is also capable of turning it (the world) in an oasis of peace and tranquillity in which adherents of religions, creeds and philosophies could co-exist, and in which people could cooperate with each other in a respectful manner.."

King Abdullah's speech has been received by a standing ovation of the 288 invitees who later have been personally introduced to both King Abdullah and King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Many religious leaders responded to the King's invitation: among them Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, Metropolitan Emmanuel Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul, Rav. Arthur Schneier, Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, Dr. Mustafa Ceric Gran Mufti of BiH, Rev. Nichico Niwano President Rissho Kosei-kai, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian of Armenians,Rav. David Rosen, Prof. Miguel Ayuso Rector PISAI, Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed Director ISNA, Dr.Muzammil H. Siddiqui Chairman of Fiqh Council of North America.

IFIIE (The International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education) has been invited to the conference by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, Secretary General Of Muslim World League.

Please read participants list, speaker presentations, final declaration and view videos by navigating on following link:  http://www.world-dialogue.org/english/english.htm

A groundbreaking meeting with women from over 13 European Countries was held in Rovereto, Italy, on 22^nd May 2008 to establish the Religions for Peace European Women of Faith Network.  The newly created network was officially presented during the Inter-Religious Encounter that took place from 22-24 May 2008 also in Rovereto, bringing together over 250 delegates from 35 countries in Europe, at the Invitation of Religions for Peace-Europe and Foundation "Opera Campana dei Caduti" of Rovereto.

 The meeting has obtained the patronage of the Council of Europe and organized thanks to the cooperation - among others - of the Province of Trento, The Diocesis and the International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural education - IFIIE.

The co-chairs, Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, from Scotland and Yolande Iliano, from Belgium stated that this network will put into practice the shared human and spiritual values of Faiths in Europe  in all aspects of its work and relationships to advance peace and shared security.

The delegates from the Baha'i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths stated that they would work together in a spirit of friendship to promote social justice and peace for an inclusive Europe.

The Co-Coordinator of Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network, Mehrezia Labidi-Maiza from France said "women are core to their faith communities but not necessarily seen as religious leaders. We need to validate the important work that women do and be a force for peace in the world".

The European Network will:

• enhance interfaith networking among women of faith in Europe through practical projects; and
• Promote gender equality and women's empowerment in multi-religious collaboration for peace.