The UN Interfaith Conference begins in New York tomorrow. I think that insofar as it is focused on limiting religious extremism, there’s not much to argue about. A secondary focus on ‘respect for religion’, however, is more problematic. Some tend to see ‘respect’ as meaning, ‘Don’t say anything bad about my religion.’ and therein lies the rub. Religions must remain open to criticism and ridicule, no matter which religion. Otherwise, the religion that can force others to ‘respect’ it will call the shots. And that, circularly, is where religious extremism comes into play.

Dialogue among civilizations
— New York Declaration to commend Saudi interfaith initiative
P.K. Abdul Ghafour | Arab News

JEDDAH/NEW YORK: World leaders have started arriving in New York for the landmark UN General Assembly meeting on the Culture of Peace, which will emphasize the need to respect all cultures and reject the exploitation of religious faiths to kill innocent people.
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