Amman to host 5th RIIFS, PCID colloquium on 'religion and dignity of life'

AMMAN — The capital will host this week the fifth colloquium held by the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (RIIFS) and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) from Vatican City under the theme "Religion and dignity of life: Christian and Muslim viewpoints". 

RIIFS Director Majeda Omar told The Jordan Times in a recent interview that religion and human dignity are “important” and interrelated topics, and that all religions' core message is to promote human values.

She said that the conference comes at a time when human dignity is being violated in many countries and societies around the world and specially in the Middle East, often in the name of religion. 

“Conflicts, violence, in particular the religiously motivated kinds, terrorism, human trafficking and environmental crisis are among many challenges and numerous dangers facing humanity today,” Omar said.

Fortunately, Omar continued, opportunities to counter these challenged are possible through spreading awareness to the need for justice and peace inspired by faith and reason. 

“Thus comes the importance of religion to be perceived as a means to promote respect for human dignity,” said Omar, adding that the fundamental principle of all religions is the equality of all humans, who deserve the basic level of respect and dignity, regardless of their background. 

During the two-day conference which will start on Wednesday, both RIIFS and PCID will present papers and share points of views of on current challenges to maintaining human dignity.

Recognition of the equal worth of all humans, therefore, is essential to building a world community of peace during these hostile times, said RIIFS' director.

Among the countries participating in the event are Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia and Jordan. 

“The aim is to garner more solidarity with humanity, especially those facing difficult times, and to maintain and preserve our common home through rule and respect of law, to eventually live in dignity,” Omar said.

According to its website, RIIFS was established in 1994 in Amman, Jordan, under the patronage of HRH Prince Hassan Bin Talal, and provides a venue in the Arab world for the interdisciplinary study and rational discussion of religion and religious issues, with particular reference to Christianity in Arab and Islamic society.

The colloquium between PCID and RIIFS started in 2009 in Amman and convenes every two years, taking turns between Amman and Rome.