14th Interreligious Dialogue Conference

(November 12, 2011) The 14^th Interreligious Dialogue Conference organised by the European People's Party Group (EEP) in the city of Esztergom, Hungary, adopted their final declaration, stating among other things that “In the era of rapid societal changes, it is vital to reach beyond classic political approaches to more fundamental notions and values, such as human dignity, family life, solidarity, or the protection of the environment”. The two-day Conference ends Saturday. Churches and religions play an important role and have influence on people's life, states further the said declaration. Over the past two decades, EPP Group has demonstrated its strong commitment to continuing the dialogue and cooperation with Churches and religious organizations. Therefore, it is more urgent than ever to further strengthen cooperation in order to prepare for further challenges policy makers and religious representatives will face together. Further, the support of family life and social security was among the priorities. Speaking of the multidimensional world financial crisis the Estergom declaration upheld the Christian-Democrat belief in the value of human beings and their integral role at the center of the economy. One of the major challenges is how to manage the process of complex anti-crisis measures in light of the principles of the social market economy. The declaration highlights Pope Benedict XVI appeal, in his Encyclical letter Charity in Truth , to ideals of sobriety and simplicity, ideals that can be inspired by the spiritual force of its life-style, which, in many parts of the globe, is prone to consumerism, regardless of its harmful consequences. Instead of indiscriminate growth, people are to look to solidarity and civic friendship.