Saudi-sponsored interreligious center to open in Austria, UN secretary-general attends

Fox News 27 November 2012

• See also Slavery in Saudi Arabia 2012

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other dignitaries are attending the inauguration of a Saudi-sponsored center for inter-religious dialogue that opens later Monday.

The project is co-sponsored by Austria and Spain. Its board will consist of three Christians, three Muslims, a Jew, a Buddhist and a Hindu.

The center has ignited debate. Backers hope it will promote increased tolerance in Saudi Arabia, a kingdom that now prohibits any religion other than Islam.

Detractors, including Austria's Green party and moderate Muslim groups, say Saudi Arabia — home to the conservative brand of Wahhabi Islam — is the last country that should be hosting initiatives on religious coexistence. They say the center could be used to spread Islamic fundamentalism in Europe. (continue reading...)

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