UN Sec Gen sent welcoming letter to participants of III Congress of Religious Leaders in Astana
ASTANA. July 1. KAZI NFORM /Arailym Temirgaliyeva/ As is known the III Congress of the Leaders of the World and Traditional Religions has kicked off in Kazakhstan's capital city Astana today. Representatives of different religions, scientists, political figures have gathered for the event. Sergey Orjonikidze, the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, read a welcoming speech of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
In his speech the UN Sec Gen stressed the crucial role of the religious leaders in establishing peace and harmony among nations. "As religious leaders you have an important role, you can set an example of moderation, you can resolve misunderstanding and open minds to what we can learn from each other. As spiritual guides you can ensure that elements of your faiths are not distorted taking out of context we use it as vehicle for fighting with violence. And as unifying symbols you can help to address feelings of frustration and alienation among your followers that could be exploited by extremists", he said.
Alongside Ban Ki-Moon urged "not to be defined or constrained by our differences". "Let us instead focus on what unites us regardless our individual religions. I urge you to spread a powerful message of peace and in the virtue of diversity. Please accept my best wishes for the successful Congress" the letter reads.