Religious Leaders Urged to Foster Coexistence, Says Kenyan Council Head

ADDIS ABABA — At the Second International Religious Institutions Conference, the Executive Director of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, Abdirahman Ismail, emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in teaching tolerance and coexistence amidst regional conflicts in the Horn of Africa.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who spoke to ENA on the sidelines of the conference in Addis Ababa, the gathering focused on the spirit of peace among different faiths including Christians, Muslims, and others. He reiterated the importance of religious guidance in fostering community harmony and understanding across diverse cultures. Ismail highlighted Ethiopia’s long history of religious coexistence and its role as a beacon of unity in Africa, citing historical episodes of refuge and safety provided by Ethiopians to foreign religious followers.

The conference, described by Ismail as a significant event, brought together various religious leaders, including Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical, Adventist, and Muslim dignitaries from around the world to discuss peace-building efforts. Louis Pasteur Nizigiyimana, General Secretary of the Burundi Inter-Religious Council, also noted the importance of such platforms for sharing valuable experiences and fostering dialogue among different communities.

Further emphasizing the conference’s wide-ranging impact, Tagay Tadele, Secretary General of the Ethiopia Inter-Religious Council, spoke about the collaborative efforts required to promote interfaith harmony and address environmental and social issues. Professor Cole Durham, President of the G20 Interfaith Forum Association, commented on the critical need for religious communities to address global challenges such as environmental protection and human trafficking together.