Brunei's Muslim and Christian Officials Leave for Interfaith Dialogue

From L-R: Reverend Andrew Shie of St Margaret’s Church and St James’ Church; Mohamed Nawawi Hj Bolhassan, special duties officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Hj Matussein Hj Jumat, religious officer at KUPU SB; and Hj Mas Reduan Hj Jumat, senior religious research officer at the State Mufti’s Office, pose for a picture before leaving for the 12th Doha Interfaith Dialogue Conference. Picture: BT/Quratul-Ain Bandial


Quratul-Ain Bandial
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, February 15, 2016

A BRUNEI delegation left for Qatar yesterday to take part in the 12th Doha Interfaith Dialogue Conference, held from February 16 to 17.

Five people have been selected to represent Brunei – Fauzana Octavia Hj Ali, charge d’affaires at the Brunei Embassy in Qatar; Mohamed Nawawi Hj Bolhassan, special duties officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Hj Mas Reduan Hj Jumat, senior religious research officer at the State Mufti’s Office; Hj Matussein Hj Jumat, religious officer at Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB); and Reverend Andrew Shie of St Margaret’s Church and St James’ Church.

Themed, “Spiritual and Intellectual Security in the Light of Religious Doctrines”, the conference aims to discuss ways religious leaders can address misuse of religion and project the authentic doctrines of their faiths to help reduce conflict.

“The conference will involve various panel discussions and it’s a good opportunity for us to listen and learn from the dialogue,” said Mohamed Nawawi.

Brunei also participated in the two previous editions of the conference in 2013 and 2014, he said, as well as other interfaith meetings around the world under the purview of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Asia-Europe Meeting, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The conference will involve religious leaders, academics, educators, activists and media from around the world.

The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) was established in 2007 to promote peace and better understanding of distinct religious principles and teaching.

The main role of the centre is to spread the culture of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and acceptance of others, according to the center’s website.

Currently, the DICID sponsors the annual Doha Interfaith Conference, along with a number of specialised symposiums and seminars that unite religious figures to discuss interfaith issues. The centre also publishes a scientific journal, conducts research, and provides translation services for interfaith work.

The Brunei Times

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