10/3/2014 Thessaloniki: Workshop Christiana - Islamic coexistence in Greece | News | Agelioforos.

gr
http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=191365 1/2
Thessaloniki: Workshop Christiana - Islamic coexistence in
Greece
Posted: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 17:11
Author: Foris Petalidis
With representatives from academia, civil society, Muslim communities throughout Greece, local
authorities and the Greek and Jordanian Government, yesterday, Tuesday, October 29, 2013, in the
hall of the Municipal Council of Thessaloniki, workshop on "Strengthening the values of Christians -
Islamic coexistence in Greece through education, religious freedom and human rights."
The initiative for the meeting belonged to the government of Jordan, with the aim of promoting the
message of Amman for Christians - Islamic coexistence, held under the auspices of the Municipality of
Thessaloniki, as part of the celebrations of the Year of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and funded by the
European Union.
The work welcomed representatives of co Tsakali Maria, head of the British Council in Thessaloniki
and Honorary Consul of Great Britain in Kairidis and Dimitris, Assistant Professor of International
Relations at Panteion University and Director of the Network of Navarino. Welcoming the attendees,
the mayor of Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutari, stressed the importance of the event for the city. On his
part, the Executive Director of Tourism and International Relations of Thessaloniki, Spiros Pegas noted
that the municipality supports all efforts interfaith dialogue and peaceful interfaith coexistence in a city
that historically has confirmed its willingness to allow the different religious communities to coexist
peacefully.
During the installation of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Education, George
Kalantzis, noted that fear and prejudice are the causes of those who do not allow peaceful
coexistence, stressing the need for proper training of religious functionaries. Further note that the
Greek Constitution fully protects religious freedom and the Greek State guarantees and protects the
rights of all religious minorities characteristics indicating that Greece is the only European country in
which the application of Islamic Sharia law.
Upon completion of the work of the conference stressed that what is needed today is a substantial and
honest interreligious dialogue, with the ultimate aim of deconstruction of stereotypes and peaceful
coexistence.
10/3/2014 Thessaloniki: Workshop Christiana - Islamic coexistence in Greece | News | Agelioforos.gr
http://www.agelioforos.gr/default.asp?pid=7&ct=1&artid=191365 2/2