The international meeting in Assisi to gather the religions against fanaticism

USPA NEWS - From 18 to 20 September, more than 400 religious and institutional personalities from around the world will participate in the meeting "Thirst for Peace". Dozens of conferences under the banner of dialogue and living together. Inauguration by Patriarch Bartholomew and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman.

Thirty years after the historic prayer desired by John Paul II, the international meeting in Assisi to express the "thirst for peace" of peoples. From 18 to 20 September, more than 400 religious and institutional personalities from around the world will participate in the meeting "Thirst for Peace". Dozens of conferences under the banner of dialogue and living together. Inauguration by Patriarch Bartholomew and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman. "We will be the voice of the poor who seek peace and the victims of violence." Marco Impagliazzo from Sant'Egidio said. Sorrentino (bishop of Assisi): "Gather the religions against fanaticism"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GATHER THE RELIGIONS AGAINST FANATICISM ACCORDING TO FRANCOIS ASSISI-----------------------------------It will be three days at the sign of dialogue and living together, thirty years after the historic prayer global Religions for Peace convened by John Paul II in 1986. "Thirsty for Peace", because the world today ' hui more than ever needed. This is the title of the international meeting to be held in Assisi from 18 to 20 September, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the diocese of Assisi and the Franciscan families. In a difficult historical moment, because of the threats of widespread violence, terror and the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Africa, hundreds of religious from all continents officials will be present in the city of St. Francis with representatives from the world of culture and institutions, popular participation accompanied by several Italian and European cities.

THIRST FOR PEACE RELIGIONS AND CULTURES IN DIALOGUE-----------------------------------------------------------------Introducing this morning in Perugia "Thirst for Peace. Religions and Cultures in Dialogue ", the President of the Community of Sant'Egidio, Marco Impagliazzo, spoke of a" meeting necessary "especially today:" There is a great thirst for peace among the poor, victims of terrorism and ongoing wars in many parts of the world. We want to be their voice. We do not only go to Assisi to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the great prayer desired by John Paul II, but to celebrate a new event with all those who, in recent years, went on way with us to build peace . There will be a meeting of important religious and institutional personalities manifest in all the religions are not indifferent to this cry that rises from people who will distance hate preachers, and will work in favor of integration, which is the key to defend our societies from violence. " The international meeting day after day receives new memberships popular: organizers expect that many people will join Assisi to attend the plenary assembly time and dozens of roundtables in different places of the Umbrian town. Also many high-ranking officials who will participate. For now, they are already at number 400, but other figures yet, both religious and institutional, will be added in the coming weeks. The afternoon of September 18, will be among those present at the inauguration, Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, and the philosopher Zygmunt Bauman. Among the many religious authorities, will be attended by cardinals, patriarchs of the Eastern Churches, the primacy of the Church of England Justin Welby, the Jews of Europe and Israel, Muslims (including the rector of the Al-Azhar University, Abd Al-Hay Azab), Asian Buddhists and representatives of other religions and representatives of institutions (for Italy Ministers Orlando Giannini) and the world of culture from all continents and regions crossed by conflicts, such as Syria and Nigeria. The bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, stressed the importance of the event, saying: "We must bring to the table different religions; against the fanaticism that comes to use terror, we need dialogue and pray that spring forth a new man's heart. The spirit of Assisi is this: a great challenge, and we have the joy of welcoming as a diocese, this international meeting. " At the launch press conference "Thirst for Peace" has also taken the mayor of Assisi, Stefania Proietti: "Our city is a beautiful city, rich in treasures such as the memory of St. Francis and St. Clare. One of these treasures is the spirit of Assisi that we are given to keep. We are facing a difficult world to blind terror. But we do not stop Assisi proposes as the flagship of a new humanism against the globalization of indifference. " From today until 18 September, a campaign was launched in support of peace and living together marked by calls, preparatory meetings and grassroots initiatives to support the international meeting.