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The Family of Abraham as a Model for Dialogue
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· The Peace Institute „Friede –Institut fuer Dialog” in Vienna, organised a meeting sponsored by the City of Vienna in the name of Interreligious Dialogue, for 2 days beginning on Thursday Corpus Christi Holiday 15th June 2006 under the patronage of Dr Andreas Khol the President of the National Council of Austria and in cooperation with the Catholic theological Faculty of the University of Vienna and Decan Martin Ruprecht of the Archdiocese of Vienna.
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The meeting opened on Thursday with an international choir, followed by the Opening Speech by the President: Dr. Metin Aysel. The topic: “Does terminology like Zionism, Christian Mission and Djihad in the various religions constitute barriers to dialogue?” was discussed by: Prof. Dr. Judith Frishman, Theological Faculty, Amsterdam; Prof. Dr. Christian Troll, Phil. - Theol. University Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt am Main and Mag. Arhan Kardas, General-Secretary of the Institute "Friede" |
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The second lecture series addressed: "Abraham and the image of humankind in the three major religions". Speakers were: Rev. Dr. Hans Ucko, Head of Interreligious relations at the World Council of Churches in Geneva; Dr. Cemal Usak, Journalists and Writers Foundation Coordinator and Dr. Tovia Ben Chorin, Or Chadasch - Jewish Liberal Community, Zürich. There was a brief performance of the Parable of the Ring from G.E. Lessings „Nathan the wise“ and then a Danube cruise with dinner.
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The second day Friday 16th June began with a tea meeting of the family of Abraham. The discussions then asked: "What are the paths which lead to Interreligious und intercultural dialogue?" The musical accompaniment for the opening on the second day was a string quartet which played Mozart’s “Al La Turka” and “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”. The speakers were: Dr. Thomas Michel, who was on the programme as the former Vatican representative for Interreligious Dialogue, and Mag Cebrail Terlemez, president of the Dialogue Institute in Zurich. Dr Thomas Michel is secretary for Interreligious dialogue for the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits in Rome. He has spent the last 30 years together with Moslems, teaching Christian Theology to Moslems and Islamic Studies to Christians.
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Dr Michel recommended that first it is necessary to identify the people we can cooperate with for the good of all. He introduced the Gulen Movement and described the works of M. Fettullah Guelen as a pioneer of Interreligious dialogue. He quoted:”As a Moslem, I accept all prophets and books sent to the various peoples and times. …. Those who do not recognise the prophets and acknowledge the scriptures are not true Moslems.” He went on to describe the international projects of the Gulen Movement of student dormitories and schools to form friendships, networks of social relations free from alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, tobacco and violence. He suggested that the key to success is not just highly educated young professionals, but the ability to involve business men as sponsors. |
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Cebrail Terlemez was born in Switzerland to Turish parents a so-called “Secundo”. He considers himself a bridge-builder, having had to translate for his parents. There was a powerpoint presentation on religious education and culture. He stressed the importance of getting to know the neighbours. He quoted four areas: dialogue, education, development assistance and science and practice. |
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Peace Prizes were presented in various categories honouring words and deeds: Kurt Lauerman, ORF for religious journalism promoting dialogue among religions; Mr Thomas Frankel presented the prize to Sr Christine Gleisman for social and spiritual work; Mr Johann Bruckner, from KAV St. Poelten; and Prof. Gaspery for his contribution to art. The meeting was followed by a press conference where each speaker was asked to summarize their contribution to the symposium.
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After lunch the group met at the „Friede-Institute“ then went to the famous Vienna St Stephan’s Cathedral, where the local priest gave a guided tour. He had to get the large cast iron key to unlock the baptismal font and explained that the tower above was the highest tower in the world for the first 6 years after it was built hundreds of years ago. From the Cathedral the tour went to the Liberal Jewish synagogue where several questions were addressed. The meeting concluded at the Peace Institute. Irmgard Maentler, Ingrid Lindeis and Lilly Gundacker attended the two day meeting and were inspired to make contact with members of Platform Sara, Moslem women for Interreligious Dialogue and Networking.
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| Written by Lilly Gundacker |
last updated 17th June 2006