In the Face of Conflict
The Board of Directors of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) adopted this Statement of Principles. The nine-member Board of Directors is composed of representatives of major world religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Thereafter, the KAICIID Dialogue Centre’s Council of Parties endorsed the Statement and approved its publication. The Council of Parties consists of the Parties to the KAICIID Founding Agreement: the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Spain, and the Holy See, attending as the Founding Observer State.
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue declares in the face of conflict the following:
We Believe
We believe in the sanctity of life and the inherent dignity of the person.
We believe that religion is an enabler of respect and reconciliation.
We believe that dialogue among believers of different religions and cultures is the path to lasting peace and social cohesion.
We affirm the purposes and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. These equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
We Reject
We condemn violent conflict in the world, more so violence committed in the name of religion, and call for an end to violent hostility. We deplore loss of life and commend those who seek to alleviate suffering, as well as those who strive to promote wellbeing, harmony and peace.
We oppose the instrumentalization of religion to make war.
We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes.
And we condemn hate speech and extremism that incite violence and fuel prejudice.
KAICIID combats prejudice and intolerance, in all their forms.
We Will Act
KAICIID counteracts the abuse of religion to justify oppression, violence and conflict and facilitates peaceful resolution by bringing conflict parties to the dialogue table.
We continue to enhance interreligious and intercultural dialogue in order to foster respect, understanding and cooperation among people.
We Resolve
We resolve to promote mutual respect and understanding among followers of all religions and peoples of all cultures, particularly through dialogue.
Let us look upon each other as sisters and brothers and, and let us appreciate difference as enrichment rather than fearing "otherness" as a threat.
