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SEVILLE, SPAIN, December 18, 2003: More than 40 religious leaders from around the globe met in the southern Spanish city of Seville on Monday. Leaders representing Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism launched a new collaborative board, and discussed hostility and hospitality between the different faiths. While the media highlight religious conflict, “many important initiatives” are also being taken to promote understanding, said Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein, director of the Jerusalem-headquartered Elijah Interfaith Academy. The conference established a board of directors for the Elijah Interfaith Academy, which will be advised by representatives of the five religions, Goshen-Gottstein said. Founded in 1996, the UNESCO-sponsored academy stages academic programs and other events to promote interfaith exchanges. “Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism find it easier to recognize the legitimacy of other religions,” Goshen-Gottstein explained. Tolerance “is built into their fabric. But is harder” for Christians, Muslims and Jews. The region of Andalusia and the city of Seville hosted the meeting in the capital of Andalusia. Participants included Sheikh Mohammed Hisham Kabbani representing Islam, from the Islamic Supreme Council of America, representative for Hinduism Sri Ravi Shankar, US presiding Episcopal bishop Frank Griswold and representatives of the Dalai Lama.

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