DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, sent a message to the Conference of World Religions held in London, underlining that “virtues of love and altruism are the basis of all religions and respect for all religions in essential”. The conference also received many messages of support from key figures including Queen Elizabeth II, the Archbishop of York, the Archbishop of Wales, the Vatican as well as Prime Minister David Cameron.
“Virtues of love and altruism are the basis of all religions and so a respect for all religions is essential. All religions are a means of inner-peace. I give my full heartfelt support to the Conference of World Religions,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his message to the conference, the organisers said in a press release.
The landmark conference was attended by around 500 delegates from 26 countries, including faith leaders from various countries, politicians, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics and representatives of various NGOs. It was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The theme of the event was ‘God in the 21st Century’. The panel of speakers featuring various faith leaders considered what role religion could play in today’s world and whether religion continued to be a force for good.
In his keynote address, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (the Khalifa of Islam), highlighted that all the major religions of the world taught the worship of god and love and compassion for mankind. He said that if these original teachings were upheld today it would lead to a harmonious society, free from conflict and war. It is a matter of great concern that governments across the world are prioritising defence and military spending above and beyond social welfare and humanitarian projects.
