III 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 374 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

SEPTEMBER 24 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 17), 2008 

Received 

OCTOBER 2 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 17), 2008 

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Supporting Christian, Jewish, and Muslim interfaith dialogue 

that promotes peace, understanding, unity, and religious 

freedom. 

Whereas interfaith dialogue among Christians, Jews, and 

Muslims is a powerful way to bridge the chasms of mistrust and misunderstanding that can divide adherents to 

the 3 Abrahamic faiths; 

Whereas a number of important initiatives to enhance interfaith dialogue have been launched in recent years; 


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HCON 374 RFS 

Whereas in 1997, the Three Faiths Forum was founded in 

London and has focused on ‘‘improving understanding 

between the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities’’; 

Whereas in 1998, the Foundation for the Three Cultures of 

the Mediterranean was founded in Seville, Spain, by 

former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, King Juan 

Carlos I of Spain, and King Hassan II of Morocco, with 

the objective of promoting cooperation between Christians, Jews, and Muslims; 

Whereas in 2005, King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan launched the ‘‘Amman Interfaith Message’’ in order to ‘‘establish full acceptance and goodwill’’ 

between Christians, Jews, and Muslims; 

Whereas in 2007, 138 Muslim scholars, leaders, and activists 

sent a letter to numerous Christian leaders expressing 

their support for peace, harmony, and goodwill between 

Christians, Jews, and Muslims; 

Whereas in 2007, the Council of Religious Institutions of the 

Holy Land was founded ‘‘to advance [the] sacred values 

[of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism], to prevent religion 

from being used as a source of conflict, and instead serve 

the goals of just and comprehensive peace and reconciliation’’; 

Whereas the Vatican has announced that the Pope intends to 

address a Catholic–Muslim summit of religious leaders in 

November 2008; 

Whereas interfaith dialogue has the potential to inspire men 

and women around the world to appreciate the common 

values shared by adherents of different religions, thereby 

strengthening the bonds of respect, cooperation, and tolVerDate Aug 31 2005 05:53 Oct 03, 2008 Jkt 079200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HC374.RFS HC374

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erance against the forces of radicalism, extremism, and 

hatred; 

Whereas these initiatives provide an opportunity to elevate 

the voices of people of faith who, often at risk to themselves, advocate for peace and understanding, courageous 

positions too often drowned out by radical extremists; 

and 

Whereas unity among leaders of different faiths is a powerful 

weapon to fight intolerance, marginalize extremism, and 

defeat the agents of terrorism: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that— 

3 (1) the United States supports the spirit of 

4 peace and desire for unity displayed in initiatives of 

5 interfaith dialogue among leaders of the 3 

6 Abrahamic faiths; 

7 (2) the United States further supports addi8 tional meetings of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim re9 ligious leaders aimed at greater dialogue between the 

10 religions; 

11 (3) the United States encourages the many peo12 ple of faith around the world who reject terrorism, 

13 radicalism, and extremism to join these and similar 

14 efforts in order to build a common bond based on 

15 peace, reconciliation, and a commitment to toler16 ance; and 


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HCON 374 RFS 

1 (4) the United States appreciates those voices 

2 around the world who condemn terrorism, intoler3 ance, genocide, and ethnic and religious hatred, and 

4 instead commit themselves to a global peace an5 chored in respect and understanding among adher6 ents of the 3 Abrahamic faiths. 

Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 

2008. 

Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, 

Clerk. 


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