Unity and dialogue: International Day of Human Fraternity

“In the midst of a pandemic and in a crisis situation, it is especially important to nurture dialogue and brotherhood among followers of world religions,” said Christian Democrat MEP György Hölvényi, co-chair of the EPP Group Working Group on Interreligious Dialogue, at an interfaith conference on International Day of Human Fraternity on Thursday. The topic of the EPP Group’s online meeting was the implementation of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb’s declaration on human fraternity, signed two years ago on February 4 by the Christian and Muslim religious leader.

In his introduction, MEP Hölvényi emphasized: “In the current crisis, religions must continue to work together to represent universal values. Such common values are the createdness of mankind, the family as a community of man and woman, and the child as a member of that community, among others”. According to the Hungarian MEP, the joint commitment of religions should become a practice in as many common areas as possible, including raising children in a healthy family environment, protecting the dignity of women or the rights of the elderly and the weak.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of the European Catholic organization COMECE, pointed out: “Instead of the clash of civilizations, followers of religions should strive to respect the other person as a brother. We cannot be credible Christians or Muslims without accepting and caring for the other”.

The Christian Democrat MEP Hölvényi emphasized: “Supporting interreligious dialogue has been an integral part of the European People’s Party Group’s identity for more than two decades, while the issue is not represented by any other political force in Europe”. He called it an important achievement that in recent years the historical significance of the document has been presented with highly recognised Catholic and Muslim speakers both in Brussels and Budapest.

Background: Pope Francis and Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt, signed the Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity and Living Together on February 4, 2019. In this document, the signatories record the recognition of the dignity of all people. They reaffirm the need for good relations between East and West in order to fully protect religious and civil rights. The date of signing the declaration, February 4, officially became “International Day of Human Fraternity” last year following a decision by the United Nations.