“Interpretation of Religious Texts and Freedom of Religion or Belief”

With 84% of the world’s population identifying with a religion, religious belief, identity and practice shape the actions of individuals, governments and societies. But how do we interpret religious texts written centuries ago for the modern world? How do religious texts shape our attitudes towards the beliefs of those around us? What are challenges and how can we address them?

These were some of the questions addressed in an event entitled “Interpretation of Religious Texts and Freedom of Religion or Belief”, co-organized by the British Embassy to the Holy See and the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) on Friday 25 September 2020.
The event, which was held both in presence at the Maurice Borrmans Library of PISAI and online, included interventions by Jim Shannon MP (Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, House of Commons, London); Craig Morrison, O.Carm (Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome); Wael Farouq (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan); Nayla Tabbara (Adyan Foundation, Beirut) and Fadi Daou (Adyan Foundation, Beirut).
The closing remarks were offered by Mons Indunil Kodithuwakku, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue. The event was moderated by UK Ambassador to the Holy See, H.E. Sally Axworthy and PISAI’s President, Diego Sarrió Cucarella, M.Afr.