Mandl: Protect religion from abuse and benefit it through dialogue

Utl.: Religion is an important part of life for most people worldwide, and interreligious dialogue contributes to solutions.

Brussels, November 19, 2024. – Today, Tuesday, Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl is hosting a conference organized by the internationally renowned KAICIID (International Dialogue Centre) in the European Parliament.

The conference will address "interreligious perspectives on curbing hate speech." Mandl emphasizes: "For most people in the world, religion is more important than most people in Europe realize. Religion is an important factor in the development of the world, societies, and the opportunities of every individual. The political misuse of religion is dangerous. It often misuses religious feelings for the purposes of violence and destruction."

"To protect religion from political abuse and to harness the positive power of religion for freedom and peace, interreligious dialogue is essential. Properly conducted, it can contribute to solutions. KAICIID, as an international dialogue center, has proven over the years that it can promote this dialogue seriously, permanently, and sustainably, and in many cases, it is a key enabler. In this spirit, it is my concern to support the conference positively," Mandl concluded.