A committee was formed on Monday to implement the Human Fraternity Document, signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, in Abu Dhabi in February.
The multi-faith committee, which has members from the UAE, Egypt, Spain and Italy, will develop a framework to ensure the objectives of the global Declaration of Human Fraternity are realised.
It will draft, implement and oversee plans to put the goals of the document in place and meet religious leaders, heads of international organisations and others to support and spread document’s message.
The higher committee will also urge legislative authorities to adhere to the document’s provisions, which aim to instil the values of mutual respect and coexistence in national legislation.
The committee is also responsible for supervising the Abrahamic Family House – a building dedicated to interfaith harmony. The committee can bring in new members by mutual agreement, reported state news agency Wam.
On Monday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the committee would help implement initiatives that foster tolerance, co-operation and coexistence.
He said the UAE supports all efforts that promote peace and spread the principles of fraternity and peaceful coexistence worldwide.
The Human Fraternity Document was signed in Abu Dhabi this year during the Pope’s visit to the UAE – the first visit to the GCC from the head of the Catholic Church.
It is a joint declaration of efforts to unite humanity and work towards world peace to ensure future generations can live in an atmosphere of mutual respect and healthy coexistence.
Members of the higher committee include: Bishop Miguel Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue; Prof Mohamed Mahrasawi, President of Al-Azhar University; Monsignor Yoannis Gaid, Personal Secretary of Pope Francis; Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, Advisor to the Grand Imam; Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Dr Sultan Al Rumaithi, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Yasser Al Muhairi, an Emirati writer and media personality.
