It would also provide for the translation of more important works written in the lesser languages. Translation and interpretation should become an integral part of university education. In addition to the on-going dialogue between various Christian churches, a thriving dialogue between Christianity, Judaism and Islam is vital for the future of Europe. The statement that indigenous Islamic society in Eastern and Southeastern Europe is an integral part of European culture stands out as one of the more remarkable elements of the Vienna Declaration. The section devoted to culture is weaker, despite the emphasis of contemporary social anthropology on the importance of a plurality of lifestyle choices and values, as well as the diffusion of ideas concerning human identity.
Culture can, of course, become the source of conflicts and crises.
In light of this, the Declaration wisely reminds us that, in many cases, everything foreign and new is always a source of fear. The chapter of the Declaration dealing with the media stresses above all else their heightened responsibility during a time of rapidly-burgeoning contacts between various cultures and peoples. In such a situation the media should consciously teach tolerance, and at the same time point out all forms of discrimination against members of various ethnic and cultural groups. If the realms of law and politics also reflect pluralist principles, then political stability will result. In practical terms this means that political citizenship must be separated from cultural and ethnic identity.