Statement on the Conflict at Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is deeply saddened by the violent attacks around and inside Al-Aqsa Mosque. We especially deplore acts of violence done within a sacred space, as occurred at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem this past Friday.

The Parliament upholds the human dignity of members of all faith and spiritual communities and non-faith communities in Jerusalem, the Holy Land, and around the world. We value those acting as peacemakers in the region.

We pray and call for a commitment by all concerned to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, dialogue, and negotiation. The Parliament stands ready to assist in this process.

The Parliament implores the interfaith movement around the world and individuals of faith, conscience, and good will to stand in resolve against violence and oppression in any form irrespective of who the victim is.

The Parliament reaffirms its 2014 statement, which stands in solidarity with the region in a commitment to end ongoing violence and open hostilities.  For peace to be achieved,  all Israelis and Palestinians must recognize and affirm the humanity of the other and to respect and protect all sacred spaces. We uphold the right for the faithful to worship freely and in peace in houses of worship.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions remains committed to a culture of non-violence and respect for life, as agreed upon in our signature document Towards A Global Ethic.

“… no people, no state, no race, no religion has the right to hate, to discriminate against, to ‘cleanse,’ to exile, much less to liquidate a ‘foreign’ minority which is different in behaviour or holds different beliefs.”

– Towards A Global Ethic: A Declaration of the Parliament of the World’s Religions