Religious Leaders from 17 Countries Call for Calm in Cartoon Issue

February 14, 2006

Source: Xinhua

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-02/14/content_4179787.htm

On February 14, 2006 Xinhua reported, "Amid worldwide outrageous reactions of Muslims against the controversial publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, religious leaders from East Asia gathered here recently and declared the necessity of tolerance among people in the world.

One hundred fifty-nine leaders representing ten religions from 17 countries in the region decided during a two-day East Asian Religious Leaders Forum to enhance mutual understanding and respect among people of different faiths and religions to overcome prejudices, intolerance and hatred.

The leaders agreed to revitalize religions as determinant factors and prophetic mission for building peace, and to consolidate moderating and peaceful spirits of the religions to counter violence.

They insisted on improving religious education as the basis for empowering plural and multicultural communities in building peaceful, democratic and harmonious societies."