Westerners have very clear, concise and positive response on the upcoming three-day international Islamic Conference Dialogue. The conference aims to set guidelines for dialogue between Muslims and followers of other religions and cultures. It would discuss the basis for dialogue with other faiths in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah. British national John V. White, Group Marketing Services Manager from United Naghi, said it would be more promoting and meaningful if non-Muslims too participated in these conferences in future. “I believe these inter-faith dialogues will truly promote world peace and communal harmony,” he said. “If more international groups – both Muslim and non-Muslim – are involved, it would promote the understanding among various religious communities and establish exemplary relations among nations in the world,”White added. Michael J. Callaghan, another British national, said the most significant event was last year's King Abdullah's historic visit to Rome to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Being a King, it was a wonderful move in international relations, especially the West, Callaghan said. He said it was “wonderful” that King Abdullah is always willing to talk about religions and discuss the positive aspects for close cooperation among different faiths. Venesa Roberts, American-Lebanese educationist, said this conference is very important and it will expose the Saudis to the understanding of other religions in a comprehensive way. “Opening dialogues among different religions will help us understand and even accept one another better,” she said. Dr. Irin, a Canadian national, said different discussions and dialogues are the most cultured way to show various points of view. “We highly welcome this new move. The dialogue is a great method of resolving misunderstanding, conflicts and disputes among communities,” he said. __
