Panel discussion in Zalin, North and East Syria, on role of religion in promoting peace

ZALIN, Syria — The activities of the dialogue symposium organized by the Religious Women’s Council at the Democratic Islam Conference in North and East Syria, in cooperation with the Forum of Mesopotamia’s Religions and Beliefs, under the slogan “The Role of Religions in Spreading Peace”, were launched in the city of Qamishli, in the presence of personalities representing religions in North and East Syria.

Within the context of the dialogue symposium organized by The Religious Women’s Council of the Democratic Islam Conference in North and East Syria, in cooperation with the Forum of Mesopotamia’s Religions and Beliefs, organized a symposium on the role of religion in peacemaking. 

Member of the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU) Sabah Shabo, who participated in the symposium, told Suroyo TV that the discussion of the role of religion in spreading peace is of the utmost importance in light of the attempts by Turkey, the Islamic State (ISIS), and other groups to exploit religious differences for political gains.

During the symposium, Shabo explained the role of Christianity can play in spreading peace, saying that peace, within ourselves and with others, is a central tenet in Christianity. This directly contrasts with war and violence. Peace, as a term, means a set of behavioral patterns and attitudes that push a person to respect his fellow human being, regardless of his religion and race, said Shabo.

During the symposium, Christian, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and Yezidi personalities shed light on the concept of peace and the role of their respective religions in its promotion. They affirmed that the aforementioned religions renounce violence in their essence and encourage peaceful coexistence between the various religious and national components.

Shabo also pointed out the importance of the media as a direct way to reach society, whether through social or traditional media. She also pointed to the important role of the family and school in consolidating value systems in children.