Organized by the University Institute of Religious Sciences, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Spain, this meeting was placed under the theme “Harmony across horizons. Exploring the interreligious dialogue between Spain and Morocco “.
Speaking at the opening of this seminar, the Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, Ms. Karima Benyaich, underlined the importance of interreligious dialogue in strengthening ties between Rabat and Madrid, highlighting the singularity of the Moroccan religious model. .
”Morocco, with its deep cultural and religious diversity, is an essential actor in the promotion of tolerance and mutual understanding,” said the Moroccan diplomat in a speech read on her behalf, noting that ”the dialogue between our cultures and civilizations is a theme that unites us, from Africa to Europe, and constitutes a bridge between our two friendly countries.
Ms. Benyaich also highlighted the characteristics of the Moroccan model of coexistence and tolerance for centuries between Muslims, Jews and Christians, while recalling that the Moroccan Constitution recognizes the plurality of the country’s cultural roots, particularly influences from the East. , from southern Africa, and from Al-Andalous, all of which have contributed to forging an open and plural Moroccan identity.
The exchanges made it possible to highlight the concrete initiatives undertaken by Morocco to promote interreligious dialogue, in particular the historic visits of two popes to Morocco, in 1985 and in 2019, she recalled, stressing that “these visits are tangible evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to peace and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims, illustrating Morocco’s role as a bridge between religions and civilizations.
The director of the University Institute of Religious Sciences, Juan Antonio Álvarez-Pedrosa, affirmed in a statement to MAP that interreligious dialogue is now recognized as an “essential academic discipline”.
According to him, ”it is imperative to address these themes which unite Morocco and Spain, two countries sharing a common history, thus creating a privileged space to promote cooperation between these neighboring nations”.
Mr. Álvarez-Pedrosa also underlined the importance of making this initiative long-term, by organizing the event each year alternately in Spain and Morocco, insisting that “there is still much to explore and study in this field, not only from a religious point of view, but also from a broader academic perspective.
For her part, the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Madrid, Isabel Durán Giménez-Rico, welcomed this initiative, which she described as “an essential bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean”, while insisting on the role of academic institutions in promoting intercultural understanding and social progress.
This meeting, she underlined, constitutes ”a unique opportunity to explore and strengthen the mechanisms promoting peace and cooperation”, while highlighting the commitment of the Faculty of Philosophy to religious studies. , which is the only one in Spain to offer specialized training in religious sciences.
This two-day seminar brings together academics and researchers from Moroccan and Spanish institutions to discuss topics such as interreligious dialogue, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue strategies.
Among the themes addressed are “the translation of religious texts” and “the cultural and cognitive dialogue between Morocco and Spain”.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the important topic of interreligious dialogue, particularly between Spain and Morocco. We are fortunate to have Professor Juan Antonio Álvarez-Pedrosa, the director of the University Institute of Religious Sciences, who recently spoke at a seminar on this theme. Professor, could you start by summarizing the main objectives of the seminar held in collaboration with the Moroccan Embassy in Spain?
Juan Antonio Álvarez-Pedrosa (JA): Thank you for having me. The seminar, titled “Harmony across horizons,” aimed to foster understanding and cooperation between the diverse religious communities in Spain and Morocco. By bringing together scholars, diplomats, and religious leaders, we explored the historical and contemporary significance of interreligious dialogue in a region where different cultures converge.
TNE: That’s fascinating. The Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, Ms. Karima Benyaich, emphasized Morocco’s unique religious model. Can you elaborate on what she meant by that?
JA: Absolutely. The Moroccan religious model is rooted in centuries of coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. This model is enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution, which recognizes the country’s cultural pluralism. Ms. Benyaich highlighted that this model is not just theoretical but has concrete historical roots and is reflected in various social practices and traditions that promote tolerance and mutual respect.
TNE: It’s impressive to hear about such an inclusive approach. You mentioned the importance of cultural dialogue as a bridge between Africa and Europe. How does this concept manifest in practical terms?
JA: Practical manifestations include various initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding. For example, we’ve seen historic visits from popes to Morocco in 1985 and 2019. These visits symbolize Morocco’s commitment to peace and highlight the kingdom’s role as a mediator between different faiths. The dialogues initiated during such events contribute significantly to creating a peaceful coexistence narrative in a multicultural society.
TNE: Given the rising global tensions around religious identity, how do you see interreligious dialogue evolving in the future, especially in regions like Spain and Morocco?
JA: This dialogue is increasingly recognized as an essential academic discipline, as I mentioned in the seminar. I believe that, moving forward, there will be greater emphasis on education and community engagement. Institutions will need to provide platforms for dialogue not only at the academic level but also in local communities—through workshops, cultural exchanges, and collaborative projects that challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
TNE: Are there any specific initiatives that you think are exemplary in promoting interreligious dialogue, perhaps those discussed during the seminar?
JA: One profound example is Morocco’s commitment to interfaith dialogue through its educational systems and public events. There’s also significant work done by NGOs to create spaces for dialogue and understanding among youth from different religious backgrounds. These initiatives empower the younger generation to appreciate their diverse cultural heritage while forging connections across faiths.
TNE: It sounds like there’s a lot of potential for growth and collaboration. In your view, what role should governments play in facilitating these dialogues?
JA: Governments can play a pivotal role by crafting policies that support cultural exchange and interreligious education. They can provide funding for programs aimed at building bridges and ensuring that voices from all backgrounds are heard. Additionally, fostering an inclusive environment where dialogue is encouraged can help alleviate tensions and build stronger societal cohesion.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Álvarez-Pedrosa, for your insightful perspectives on this important subject. As we’ve learned today, interreligious dialogue not only strengthens relations between Spain and Morocco but also serves as a vital tool for fostering peace globally. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve in the future.
JA: Thank you for the opportunity to share these thoughts. I’m hopeful that by prioritizing dialogue, we can contribute to a more peaceful and understanding world.