Conference boosts religious understanding

The Lebanese center for Islamic-Christian studies at Balamand University and the Geneva-based World Council of Churches on August 28 launched a seminar on the exchange of ideas between Christians and Muslims in the past 30 years.

The conference was inaugurated by the university's president, Dr. Elie Salem, a former foreign minister of Lebanon, who underlined the importance of Lebanon as laboratory of Christian-Muslim coexistence. "This country is a laboratory and example of cohabitation," he said.

Salem said Christians and Muslims should have a clear and accurate idea of each other's religion in order to exchange their ideas in frank and accurate ways.

"It is true that not everybody has to learn the scientific principles of Islam and Christianity, but a true knowledge of both religions will help enrich and boost relations between Muslims and Christians," Salem said. "The University of Balamand, through its center for Islamic and Christian studies and with its location between Tripoli and Koura, is working on consolidating dialogue, coexistence and relations between citizens."

The conference has attracted representatives from universities in 10 different countries, including Jordan and Tunisia.