Ishmael Noko: Inter-religious dialogue is possible where there is openness to differences and religious freedom
14:50, 2 July 2009
ASTANA. July 2. KAZINFORM. /Aliya Keldesheva/ - "I think it is important to recognize that inter-religious dialogue and cooperation is only possible where there is openness to differences and religious freedom", Dr. Ishmael Noko, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation emphasized speaking at the III Congress of the Leaders of the World and Traditional Religions in Astana.
"Many of the tensions and conflicts of the past have resulted from attempts to impose a single template, based upon one-sided presuppositions about what a good life entails. But on the other hand, I think it can be said that we do share a common set of fundamental values, based upon our deepest religious beliefs and upon the universal hope for a peaceful shared future", Ishmael Noko said.