If we look through the long and torturous history of the human race on planet earth you will find that the greatest destruction has been wrought in the name of religion. We have to come to terms with the fact that religion is often expressed in fanaticism, in cruelty, in persecution, in burning, and in all sorts of violence. Today we either slide back into medieval posture of holy wars, or achieve the higher level of inter-faith understanding. Catholic Archbishop Allan de Lastic of New Delhi also spoke. Without these qualities of freedom and love, there can be no human life at all.
Human beings are responsible for what they do because of freedom.
If there is no freedom, they cannot be held responsible. We are a religious people. When I hear of any attacks on other religions I am very sad, but there must be no retaliation, only forgiveness. Attending the Conference are 275 delegates from all over India, as well as from many other countries, including Russia, the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, Switzerland, Belgium, Britain, Poland and Brazil. Hosted by the International Religious Liberty Association in New Delhi, the purpose of the Conference is to promote freedom of conscience throughout the world.