Bangladesh praised as interfaith leader by Cardinal Tauran
(April 28, 2011) Bangladesh is a model of interreligious harmony, Cardinal Jean-Louis
Tauran , President of Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Interreligious Dialogue
said during an official tour of the country. “I have said a number of times during
my stay here, that Bangladesh is considered as an example, a model for interreligious
dialogue and harmony. It can be placed at the services of world today,” said Cardinal
Tauran, who on Thursday completed a three-day tour of Bangladesh – his first to
the country. Among other engagements, the French cardinal, a former Vatican foreign
minister, also addressed a crowd in Dhaka at a Conference on “Interreligious Dialogue
and Harmony” on Wednesday. “Bangladesh has shown how it is possible for people in
a multi-religious society live in peace and harmony.” he said in a keynote address.
More than 500 religious leaders, dignitaries and representatives from various religions
and Christian denominations including Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino, attended
. The event organized by Catholic bishops’ Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity
and Interreligious Dialogue (EC-CUIRD) included readings from Holy Scriptures Qur’an,
Gita, Tripitaka and the Bible. Cardinal Tauran said discussions between faiths was
more important than ever today when there is “a tendency to see religion as a problem.”