Spiritual leaders to help UNESCO use religion in relations with people

Spiritual leaders of the world will help UNESCO use the religion in relations between peoples, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said.

In his view, "certain radical religious forces use the religion to stir up strife, hatred and even provoke armed conflicts."

The purpose of the group is to think "how religious leaders can contribute to the UNESCO mission". The patriarch also stressed that one of the goals of the group was to study the existing problems in inter-religious relations and submit this examination to UNESCO, which would facilitate "the peacemaking dialogue". The patriarch thanked the UNESCO Director General for his contribution to creating this inter-religious group.

Koichiro Matsuura expressed gratitude to the Russian state for President Dmitry Medvedev's support to receive members of the group. Matsuura stressed that the session was very timely. It plays a big role within years of cultures. The UNESCO Director General urged religious leaders to make their contribution to the UNESCO education programme.

The session will also focus on prospects for multilateral cooperation between religious communities and UNESCO, including such areas as peacekeeping support, inter-religious dialogue, education, and the protection of venerated sites; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.

See www.itar-tass.com for full version.