Parliament of Worlds Religion 2004 Barcelona

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

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Welcome from the Mayor of Barcelona
I am pleased to welcome the participants of the Parliament of the World's Religions, which has brought you all together in the framework of Forum Barcelona 2004.
It is both meaningful and symbolic for this gathering to be held in our city. We are convinced that building bridges of dialogue between different religious identities is a fine way to work toward peace and the recognition and understanding of people's different concepts of religion.
We realize that what brings us together or separates us as human beings is our conception of the world, along with our traditions, culture and beliefs, religious or otherwise. We are also aware, because of the fact that we experience it on a daily basis, that cities are where diversity is truly expressed and the place where conditions for peaceful coexistence are a necessity.
This explains why this is such an important gathering, and why it is essential that your voice should continue to be heard beyond these sessions of work and reflection. More than ever, we need to be mutually enriched by different views, to learn more about others, and to get committed. After all, this is the only way we can work towards a common, shared future.
Welcome to Barcelona, welcome to your home!
Joan Clos Mayor of Barcelona and President of Forum Barcelona 2004
Parliament of the World's Religions 2004
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