IV 
109TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1040 
Urging political and religious leaders of the world and all peoples to move 
forward in a conciliatory spirit and deal with religious matters in a 
responsible and balanced manner. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 25, 2006 
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on International Relations 
RESOLUTION 
Urging political and religious leaders of the world and all 
peoples to move forward in a conciliatory spirit and 
deal with religious matters in a responsible and balanced 
manner. 
Whereas the recent statements of His Holiness Pope Bene-
dict XVI and the subsequent unrest in the Arab world 
were a disquieting illustration of the consequences of mu-
tual misunderstanding; 
Whereas statements and remarks of political and religious 
leaders relating to religious matters and other peoples’ 
beliefs, as well as media reports of such statements and 
remarks, occasionally lack the adequate sensitivity; 
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•HRES 1040 IH 
Whereas, on the other hand, such statements and remarks 
and media reports are sometimes misinterpreted and ex-
ploited for political reasons; 
Whereas such statements and remarks, as well as some public 
reactions to such statements and remarks, show a lack of 
interfaith understanding and knowledge; 
Whereas the differences in belief, especially among the 
Abrahamic religions, which are founded on common his-
tory and share their theological grounds, are less signifi-
cant than their similarities; 
Whereas all influential religions, including Hinduism and 
Buddhism, own common values of peace, respect, and 
dignity; 
Whereas, although religions usually call for mutual under-
standing, the differences in the beliefs of such religions 
are often used to draw lines between people; 
Whereas religious or spiritual understanding can play a posi-
tive role in facilitating trust and overcoming political dif-
ferences; 
Whereas there will be no peace among religions without dia-
logue among religions; and 
Whereas there will be no peace among nations without peace 
among religions: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) urges political and religious leaders of the 
world and all peoples to move forward in a concilia-
tory spirit and deal with religious matters in a re-
sponsible and balanced manner; 
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•HRES 1040 IH 
(2) expresses its assistance for all projects sup-
porting a dialogue of religions in order to achieve a 
better mutual understanding; 
(3) encourages the people of the world to learn 
about the contents of different religions; and 
(4) calls on the followers of the Abrahamic reli-
gions and all religious people of the world to recol-
lect their common ground and to focus on their simi-
larities. 
Æ 
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