U.S. Embassy to the Holy See Hosts Video Conferences on Inter-Religious Dialogue
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies in Rome, Ertharin Cousin
Rome, November 16, 2011
Over the last two weeks the Public Affairs section sponsored two video conference dialogues between graduate and college students from a variety of countries and religions to discuss how different faiths address conflict resolution and the environmental crisis.
The conflict resolution conference included guest speakers Professor Gerald Powers of the Kroc Institute of Notre Dame University, and the Director of the Sant’Egidio Community. The latter is a Catholic Non-Governmental Organization that began in Rome in 1986 and now has more than 50,000 members in more than 70 countries throughout the world and is directly involved in grassroots conflict resolution. The conference was held on November 9th simultaneously at Notre Dame University and the US Embassy to the Holy See.
The environment conference included as guest speakers the US Ambassador to the UN Agencies in Rome, Ertharin Cousin, as well as a Rabbi, Imam, Franciscan Nun, and the special envoy for the environment from the World Bank, all of whom are experts in inter-religious dialogue and the environment. The conference was held on November 16th simultaneously at Georgetown University and the US Embassy to the Holy See.
Students and participants shared a lively dialogue, bringing to the table thoughtful and considered insights. The events showcased the US Government’s dedication to working with religious groups to facilitate dialogue and meet the goals that both religious groups and the U.S. Government share.