ROME - Arrived at the XXVIII edition, the International Meeting Men and Religions promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio will be held from 7 to 9 September in Belgium in Antwerp,with the theme "Peace is the future: religions and cultures in dialogue a hundred years after the first World War".
The choice of the location, in the tragic anniversary of a conflict that has spilt blood over Europe as a whole, responds to the need to bring the "spirit of Assisi" in today's world, without losing the memory of history but also without sacrificing the commitment at present, which asks us to "keep the lamp of hope alight, praying and working for peace", as pope Francis said receiving in audience the participants at the Rome Meeting on 30 September 2013. Under this key, the Meeting of Antwerp aims to meet the growing need of dialogue for peace, and is not intended to circumvent a necessary reflection on contemporary crises, on the dramatically current theme of the persecution of Christians, and on the risk of a religious justification of violence.
In addition to focus attention on conflicts and the ongoing international tensions, as well as the responsibility of religions and people of good will in building a united world in which to grow a culture of tolerance and life, the conference will address, among others, the issues of sustainable development, immigration, poverty, education for peace, of martyrdom in the present time, violence of religious origin, Christian unity, dialogue with Islam. Along with personalities of the Catholic world, culture and interreligious dialogue, representatives of the newly elected European institutions will participate at the Meeting.

The press office of the International Meeting "Peace is the future" will be open from Thursday, 4 September in Lombardenstraat 28, 2000 Antwerpen (Antwerp)