"Dialogue demands more courage than waging war. It takes you to that uncomfortable space where you have to question your own assumptions and, rather than speak on other people's behalf, truly listen to what they have to say, take it into consideration, and present your own views in a way that addresses the misunderstandings that have arisen." Haider Al-Mosawi

We take great pleasure in inviting you to participate in the 3rd International Conference on promoting Inter-faith discourse in Multi-Religious Communities being organised by City Montessori School, Rajendra Nagar Campus II from 12 July to 14 July 2012 at the World Unity Convention Centre, CMS Girls Degree College, Lucknow, India.

For this beautiful world to reach greater heights of accomplishments, it is imperative for all of us to understand and accept the need to live in unity. To feel and live as one it is important that we understand one another, trust one another and respect one another; Ours is a world with diversities...that is how the Great Creator wanted it to be! Despite these differences one cord that unites us all is our belief in the Divine Creator that has created us all. Religion, religious beliefs maybe many but the Eternal Laws that Prophets have given us from time to time are all one and the same.

Unfortunately sometimes due to communication gaps and our pre-conceived notions about people from different religious background, we either withdraw ourselves or for the sake of survival behave destructively. This is primarily the reason behind the conflict, strife and stress that is enveloping human lives today all over the world.

To remove this darkness of ignorance, to break these barriers that divide, to set our minds free of prejudices it is important to have an interaction, a dialogue especially where people from diverse backgrounds live and work in close proximity. Hence, this International Conference on "Promoting Interfaith Dialogue in Multi Religious Communities".

It is only when we have a deep understanding of our own religious beliefs and commitments that progress can be made in achieving true understanding and respect for the religious values and beliefs of others. Promoting Interfaith dialogue does not in anyway means undermining one's own faith or religious traditions. Infact it is only when believers are well aware of their own religious traditions that they gain a willingness to listen and respect the beliefs of other religions. It is therefore important that people at the grassroots level first understand how their own faith promotes acceptance and love for their fellow men, no matter what religious background they come from.

Let us all commit ourselves to reach out to our communities at the grass root level to advocate the importance of appreciating diversity, resolving conflicts and minimizing disconnection through Interfaith dialogue.

Archanaa Pande
Convenor & Principal
City Montessori School, Asharfabad Campus
Unity Building, Lucknow, INDIA
Phone: +91-522-2262013
Fax: -91-522-2638008, 2635497
Email: interfaith@cmseducation.org; asharfabad@cmseducation.org
Website: http://www.cmseducation.org/interfaith