U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Susan Rice says faith can be a force for partnership and healing among nations, and not a reason for division.
Rice spoke briefly November 30 to the U.S.-Indonesia Interfaith Council meeting in New York at the U.N. headquarters.
“The United States and Indonesia are the world’s second and third most populous democracies, and we are two of the most diverse nations on earth,” Rice told delegates. “Our communities retain their individual beliefs, but they share a common commitment to the health and well-being of all communities.”
“They also share common concerns and are working together to meet common challenges, from reducing poverty to tackling climate change, improving education and strengthening good governance,” Rice said.
The Interfaith Council brings together a group of Indonesian religious leaders and their American counterparts in sessions November 30 to December 3 in Washington and New York.
“For Indonesia, a dialogue between Indonesian and American religious leaders is important, particularly for Christians and Muslims,” Theophilus Bela, secretary-general of the Indonesian Committee of Religions for Peace and secretary of the delegation, told UCANEWS.com recently.
