Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable issues statement on religious violence in Middle East and Ukraine

SALT LAKE CITY - Aug. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable Board Chair Rev. Fr. Elias Koucos has issued the following statement:

“The recent wave of violence against innocent families and children in Iraq, Ukraine, Gaza and Israel has rendered the world shocked and horrified. As members of The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, we will not remain indifferent or silent before such irrational persecution, cultural intolerance and appalling loss of life, especially when it is caused by religious hatred and racial hostility.

“The targeting of tens of thousands of people of any religious or ethnic minority can never be justified in the name of any religious creed or conviction.

“Violence is never pacified by violence, and hatred is only overcome by tolerance and respect. Knowing that true and lasting peace only comes to pass through a genuine encounter and dialogue, The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable calls upon religious leaders and political authorities in all of these wounded regions to promote empathetic dialogue in order to resolve these disputes and support peaceful means to overcome conflict.

“The world’s response must be immediate and tangible. Therefore, the Roundtable appeals to every responsible organization and every person of good will to support resolution through perpetual and persistent prayer. We call on all to assist with material and humanitarian resources through any humanitarian outreach available so that these innocent victims may no longer endure hunger, suffering, and death.

“It is the Roundtable’s wholehearted hope and fervent prayer that peace and goodwill will prevail, and that love of all humanity will rule so we may unite in the midst of diversity. disputes and support peaceful means to overcome conflict.”

The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable
The Roundtable is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization consisting of over 220 individuals working to promote love, harmony, and an increased understanding among persons of all faith traditions, cultures, and belief systems everywhere.

Throughout the year, the Roundtable regularly co-sponsors a number of free community programs and events with the purpose of facilitating increased understanding through interfaith dialogue.

For donations or information about the Roundtable, annual Interfaith Month, and the Musical Tribute, please visit http://www.interfaithroundtable.org.