Department of Islamic Sciences at the Bedër University, in the context of 25th anniversary of religious freedom in our country, organized in cooperation with the “Ndërdioqezian seminar” in Shkodra and the Theological Academy in Durres, the first interfaith symposium on topic: "Freedom of religion and interfaith dialogue in Albania ".
November of 1990, a month in which developed first religious rites, after years of detention by the communist regime and the harmony of coexistence interfaith in these 25 years of religious freedom, were fundamental issues which took place at At Mario Imperatori references, “Ndërdioqezian Seminar” Shkodra, Mr. Vlash Plepi, Orthodox Theological Academy, St. Vlash and Dr. Genti Kruja, Depart. The Islamic Studies, Bedër University & MCA, who also made up the panel of this roundtable.
As moderator of this symposium, Rector of Bedër University, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, after thanking the participants for their presence, said that this institution has developed dozens of conferences, seminars, workshops, etc, waited thousands of people maybe, but today's activity has a special meaning and importance.
"There are different ways to solve the conflicts that have conquered the world today but we are gathered to prevent them, just by conveying you students, future generations, important messages about the interfaith dialogue by representatives of the academic world Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic. "- he said.
Meanwhile Father Mario Emperor in his speech, after giving a summary of the history and achievements to date of the Catholic Church in our country, he emphasized that every person has the right to ask the Lord freely, regardless of religion among which requires it and it is this a fact which leads us to respect the rights of other religious.
"In order to further development of interreligious dialogue in Albania, we will continue with the mutual organization of such activities, as we have done so far. " - He said at the end of his speech.
To continue with Mr. Vlash Plepi, Orthodox Theological Academy, who shared with the audience the importance of peaceful co-existence by bringing into the discussion focus numerous examples of common religious history of our country.
"It is necessary to find a path between the extremes, which can be done only by dialogue, the latter is nothing but the recognition of the other, accepting his religion as it is actually, not as we want it to be" - he concluded.
Meantime Dr. Genti Kruja, Department of Islamic Studies at the Bedër University emphasized the importance of the definition of the individual freedom, addressing numerous examples of Qur’an and prophetic traditions.
"In Islam there is no compulsion even in obedience to accept it or not, but also any freedom that harms you or other, should be limited." - He said.
The conversation continued with the participation of professors and students that were present, who expressed enthusiasm and shared their opinions about various issues of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.