On the occasion of the "International Day of Dialogue between Civilizations", which was celebrated for the first time on June 10 this year, UPF Germany held a Zoom event on June 23, which attracted great interest from a culturally diverse audience with over 80 connections.
Robert Bentele, UPF representative in Munich, explained that dialogue must overcome division and bring dignity, diversity and solidarity among the members of our great human family. As a faith-based NGO, UPF sees the path to harmony and cooperation not only in political compromises, but in overcoming the fundamental cause of conflicts, which can only succeed with faith as a basis.
The two main speakers represented Islam and Christianity: Dr. Abdulcabbar Boran, mystic and founder of the Turkish-Muslim reform movement ZWWA e.V. (Civilization Wisdom Charity Upswing), and Manfred Hanglberger, Roman Catholic priest and family therapist.
Dr. Boran emphasized as a unifying element love whose source is God. Only when we reach God from the heart is inner peace and peace between people possible. The problem of today is the distance from God, because "where there is no love, there is fear, vice, strife and greed for power, which lead to injuries, chaos and war". The solution, therefore, is the return of every human being to God, as described in the scriptures and by religious scholars. Politicians cannot bring about this inner conversion, so it is our task as peace ambassadors to show people the way to God's love.
Pastor Hanglberger pointed out that the application for the introduction of this new UN day came from China. By listing the strengths and weaknesses of Western and non-Western civilizations, Hanglberger showed how fruitful a dialogue between different cultures can be for one's own self-perception and development. The task of religions is to serve as role models, among other things, for respecting diversity and difference, for dealing with conflicts and criticism, as well as for controlling power and separating powers.
The following questions and answers led to a lively dialogue with hopeful insights in the spirit of the day celebrated today.
Recording of the Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U16EyuH6nVU