On the morning of May 15, 2026, the Round Table "Religions, Cultures and Society - The Importance of Identities" took place in the Sala Colonne of the Palazzo Civico in Turin, under the patronage of the city of Turin, hosted by FEDINSIEME, in cooperation with CESNUR and F.O.B.
Representatives from the Assembly of the Brethren, Damanhur, ISKCON, the Church of Scientology, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and Turin’s Islamic Community had the opportunity to talk about their spirituality and identity. Maria Gabriella Mieli, a member of FEDINSIEME, represented the Universal Peace Federation Italy.
Distinguished speakers took turns at the presidency table, moderated by Giuseppe Cicogna, member of FEDINSIEME, including academics, experts and representatives of the different faiths present in the area, also through video messages, debating the topic, in an increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious social context.
Domenico Garcea, Deputy Vice President of the City Council, as host of the event, opened the proceedings. In his introductory address, he emphasized the importance of respecting current regulations and respecting diverse identities for the sake of constructive social cohesion. "Having a strong identity doesn't mean closing ourselves off from others. It means knowing who we are, knowing our values, and engaging with others without fear. Beyond respect, he continued, we need rules that both bind and protect everyone, guaranteeing freedom, security, and civil coexistence for every person and every community." He concluded by saying that respecting the rules is the best way to defend human dignity and build a more just society.
Among the distinguished speakers at the roundtable were Massimo Introvigne, sociologist and director of CESNUR; Rosita Sorytè for Freedom of Belief; Luigi Berzano, professor emeritus of sociology; Francesco Curto, lawyer and vice president of FEDINSIEME; Alessandro Amicarell, by video, lawyer and member of F.O.B.; and Imboni iNkosi YamaKjosio Moya uZwi Lezwe Radebe, founder of The Revelation Spiritual Home.
Serious incidents are becoming increasingly frequent, even in so-called democratic countries, where diverse identities, especially religious minorities, are succumbing to the increasingly superficial pursuit of social pacification. Hence the importance of the approach of various dialogue organizations, including FEDINSIEME, which, with the support of many religious groups, emphasize respect for identities and their valorization as fundamental elements for the creation of true and solid social cohesion. All the speakers, within their respective fields of expertise, shared their knowledge and experience on the history of ecumenism, the various approaches to dialogue (levels and techniques), the associated risks, and the importance of protecting and respecting identities in our societies. The interventions of the various religious representatives highlighted the essential need for an approach that is both formal and substantive toward each identity.
At the end of the round table, FEDINSIEME awarded Dr. Radebe of The Revelation Spiritual Home and Deputy Vice President Domenico Garcea two awards for their support of fair and respectful interreligious dialogue and for the promotion of values related to religious freedom.