On Boulevard Waterloo in Brussels, the Churches of Scientology for Europe hosted a groundbreaking conference dedicated to promoting kindness, peace, and understanding across diverse communities. Led by Eric Roux, a passionate advocate for interfaith dialogue, the event gathered a wide array of voices from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Through impactful speeches and insightful discussions, attendees explored the crucial role of compassion and collaboration in addressing the world’s pressing challenges.
Kindness as the Cornerstone of Harmony
Eric Roux opened the conference with a call to embrace kindness as a universal principle. He emphasized how simple acts of respect and care have the power to transform lives and bridge divides. Speakers highlighted the profound influence of kindness, not only in personal interactions but also in fostering societal healing and a culture of inclusivity.
The discussion drew inspiration from moral teachings across global religious traditions, from Buddhist temples to Catholic churches, synagogues, and Islamic mosques. Participants agreed that faith communities hold immense potential to unite humanity through shared values of empathy and generosity.
A Cardinal's Call for Compassion
Cardinal Jozef De Kesel captivated the audience with a compelling address on the moral responsibility of individuals and institutions to act as agents of peace. Drawing on his theological expertise and pastoral experience, he stressed the importance of unity and compassion in a world increasingly fractured by conflict and misunderstanding.
“Faith must serve as a bridge, not a barrier,” the Cardinal urged, encouraging attendees to rise above prejudice and work toward the collective good. He also underscored the importance of respecting and valuing all religions, noting, “Man is a religious being… searching for the meaning of existence. So it is important in our culture to respect and value religions.” His words served as a poignant reminder that peace begins with understanding and that small acts of kindness can ripple outward, creating meaningful change.
Honoring Marc Bromberg: A Life Dedicated to Peace
The conference also celebrated the remarkable legacy of Marc Bromberg, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor and an unwavering advocate for peace and reconciliation, who announced his retirement at the event.
Introduced by Eric Roux with warmth and admiration, Bromberg reflected on a life dedicated to fostering interfaith collaboration and mutual respect, particularly through his work with the Church of Scientology. His life journey, from fleeing Nazi-occupied Paris as a child to becoming a champion of dialogue and understanding, moved the attendees deeply. Bromberg reminded the audience that even small gestures of kindness can help dismantle barriers and build a culture of peace.
Thomas Gergely: Insights on Human Nature
Professor Thomas Gergely, Director of the Institute for the Study of Judaism at the Free University of Brussels (ULB), delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the essence of humanity. Gergely explored how bias and prejudice, particularly concerning religion, often stem from misconceptions and essentializations. He urged the audience to reflect on what defines humanity and to strive for fairness and objectivity when engaging with religious and cultural diversity.
His intellectual yet deeply human insights left participants enriched, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and moral responsibility in nurturing a more inclusive society.
Women and Youth: Foundations of Peacebuilding
The contributions of women and youth to peace efforts were prominently featured at the conference. Madame Abdi Hafida, President of the Espoir et Sourire Association, shared her work in advocating for family welfare and gender equality. She stressed the need to address the root causes of conflict, such as inequality and systemic neglect.
Meanwhile, the creative resilience of youth shone through in the art exhibition The World I Want to Live In, organized by young Ukrainians. The exhibition, featuring works by children aged 7 to 17, showcased their hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Rkia Tiar, President of the European Network of Women of Faith, delivered an inspiring address on the unique role of women in peacebuilding. Tiar highlighted the shared grief of mothers across borders during times of conflict and presented innovative approaches her network has explored, including digital platforms for interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. Advocating for education, media engagement, and the use of art to promote harmony, she called for collective action to ensure a lasting legacy of peace.
A Diversity of Perspectives
Several other speakers enriched the event with their unique perspectives. Ines Wouters, a legal expert and Buddhist practitioner, emphasized the transformative power of individual self-discovery in fostering a non-conflictual attitude. She noted that personal change has the potential to unlock broader societal transformation.
Bhairavananda Sarasvati Swami provided a spiritual lens, drawing on Hindu philosophy to stress the interconnectedness of all beings and the necessity of intercultural and interfaith dialogue for achieving peace.
Chantal Vanderplancke, a theologian from the Catholic University of Leuven, reflected on how peace begins in the heart, echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Dilexit Nos (On the Human and Divine Love of the
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