Jerusalem interfaith dialogue sees increased participation

Jerusalem, September 14 (ENInews)--Religious leaders in Jerusalem are more
willing than ever before to take part in dialogue with members of other
faiths despite growing political turmoil in the region, said Daniel Milo, the
director of the Jerusalem Center for Ethics, prior to the start of the
third annual Interfaith and Ethics Symposium on 14 September.

Religious leaders now realized "that the alternative to dialogue is not
acceptable," Milo said, noting that attendance at the annual symposium, which
delves into interfaith challenges, has grown over the past three years.
Still, he admitted, some Palestinian religious leaders from East Jerusalem
declined an invitation this year, largely due to internal community
pressures. 

The modern global era is forcing religious leaders to face challenges in
maintaining influence on their followers, Milo said. "Religious leaders can’
t keep their communities closed in anymore" and people are exposed to
different views and ideas, he said.