Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 117 ] — CLOSING CEREMONY — But, I am still concerned that we are in denial about the extent to which religion can be the motivation for violence. I think it always has been within my Christian tradition. The fact is that scriptures can be used for ill as well as for good. Interpretation of scripture is still the battleground for all of us. If we deny others the identity in faith that they claim, then we push them to the margins and, ultimately, we abdicate our responsibility of calling them through faith, through scripture, to change and to put down their arms. The challenge for all of us is to go back to our commu- nities and use this amazing example of hospitality and generosity, and of staff who go the extra mile, as Jesus said. That generosity of spirit, that openness, of gathering an extraordinary team into one place. I want to credit our Secretary General who has managed to attract people from all around the world to work for Interpretation of scripture is still the battleground for all of us. If we deny others the identity in faith that they claim, then we push them to the margins