A birthday with deep meaning
On May 26, at 18:00, the Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia will become the scene of a special celebration: the 20th anniversary of the Stable Working Group of Religions (GTER). This commemoration will be attended by prominent figures, such as the composer Bernat Vivancos, the former President of Parliament Núria de Gispert, and other influential personalities who have contributed to his mission.
Interview with Mohamed Halhoul: a balance and a look in the future
Mohamed Halhoul, President of the GTER, offers us a perspective on the achievements of the group and the challenges that arise. Founded in 2004, the GTER has been a pioneer in the creation of an interfaith dialogue space in Catalonia. Halhoul explains that the initial objective was to foster constructive relationships between various confessions and civil society, a purpose that is still in force.
A model of consensus and collaboration
The GTER’s strength lies in his commitment to consensus. All decisions are made collectively, fostering essential values such as solidarity and religious freedom. In addition, the group has expanded its interfaith council to include new traditions such as the Bahá’í and the Buddhists, thus reflecting a diversity that enriches the dialogue.
Specific actions and the role of mediator
The GTER not only promotes dialogue, but also acts as a mediator in conflict. They collaborate with the Generalitat in initiatives such as the World Week of Interconfessional Harmony and strive to address situations of violence or discrimination that affect religious communities. Halhoul emphasizes the importance of being heard by institutions, which recognize the contributions of the group.
The challenge of the new generation
One of the great challenges that the GTER faces is the inclusion of young people. Halhoul emphasizes the need to convey the values of interfaith understanding to new generations. The involvement of young people is essential to ensure that the message of solidarity and respect for diversity is still alive. They are the future and the GTER is looking for ways to encourage them to participate in this life project.
Looking to the future: a renewed commitment
With two decades of experience behind it, the GTER is preparing to face the new challenges that the future may present. His commitment to coexistence and respect between religions remains firm, and his mission is more relevant than ever in a world that needs dialogue and understanding. Reflection on the role of young people in this process is an important step towards a more cohesive and just society.