In a prepared statement read to the commission on April 3, Dr. Gianfranco Rossi, Geneva U.N. representative for the church, reaffirmed the church's commitment to the principles of peace and justice.

Rossi affirmed that it was "madness to use religion as an instrument of terror and death," and that "the true spirit of religion supports justice, brotherhood, peace and life." Quoting twice from the Bible, the statement reminded the commission of the concept of peacemaking: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," and "the work of justice shall be peace." (Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 32:17).

"Noting the many areas of conflict around the world with the consequent violations of human rights, many nations deplored the huge loss of life in both violent conflicts and in state-sponsored persecution," said Jonathan Gallagher, U.N. Liaison director for the Church, also attending the commission. "One lamentable fact emerged from the discussion: worldwide, more people die at the hands of their own governments than from any other cause of violent death. Additionally, inter-religious conflict was cited by many speakers as a primary cause of many human rights violations."

The statement, based on an official declaration of the church on the subject of peace, recommended that the Commission on Human Rights "not underestimate the importance of religion in education for human rights and for peace. It should encourage and support inter-religious dialogue to combat religious extremism, which is one of the major causes of the conflict that currently afflict humanity."

The commission, attended by all representatives of countries making up the United Nations, continues its work until the end of April.
Source:...ANN Geneva, Switzerland -- Entered April 9, 2003

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