The Role of Religion in Peace Making 1

Two weeks ago, the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) held its 14th “Talks on the Hill” in Davao City, Philippines. ASEF has been acting as a bridge between the diverse peoples and states of Asia and Europe, supporting the Asia Europe Meetings or ASEM. Interfaith dialogues, bringing together cultures and civilizations, became a major interest of the ASEAN and the European Union after 9/11. ASEM has organized 4 conferences on interfaith dialogue over the last 10 years, involving governments and the religious. The ASEF “Talks on the Hill” are dialogue retreats organized around selected issues, reflecting the common concerns of Asia and Europe. ASEF is planning up to six dialogue retreats around religion and interfaith issues. Why religion and interfaith issues?