Annual Interfaith Forum Started by Pope John Paul II Held at Georgetown

April 26, 2006

Source: Houston Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/3822807.html

On April 26, 2006 the Houston Chronicle reported, "Religious leaders from a broad swath of worldwide faiths met Wednesday at Georgetown University, marking the first time the annual interfaith forum has been held in the United States since it was started 20 years ago by Pope John Paul II. While the goal of the two-day International Prayer for Peace is not to draft policies, organizers hope it will foster greater ties and communication between major faiths that come into contact more frequently - not always peacefully - in an increasingly globalized world. This year's panel discussions reflect that focus. They include the role of religion in combating AIDS, poverty and genocide, and in resolving conflicts between faiths. Religiously motivated terrorism was also a central theme because of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and ensuing war on terror. An expected 100 speakers from many religions - including Catholics, Jews, Methodists, Muslims, Mennonites, Eastern Orthodox Christians and Shintoists - as well as charity groups, academics, journalists and diplomats will take part."