This week at the NATO Defense College (NDC), the tenth NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 10) focuses on a topic of vital importance for intercultural dialogue: the study of the world’s three major monotheistic religions.
The programme, which will be completed by visits to the Vatican (including attendance at a Papal Audience), the Great Synagogue of Rome and the Mosque of Rome, begins with lectures by invited speakers. During this fascinating and eagerly awaited part of the NRCC 10 curriculum, on 15 October Course Members had the unique opportunity to follow comprehensive presentations by authoritative and widely respected representatives of the three faiths: the Reverend Father Owen Keenan, of the Papal Household; Rabbi Umberto Piperno, from the Beth Shalom Synagogue of Rome; and Imam Dr Al Muhrag, from Riyadh.
After receiving a warm welcome from the Head of the NDC Middle East Faculty, Colonel Giuseppe MORABITO (ITA A), all three speakers provided a detailed introduction to the origins, development and main precepts of their respective religions. Common misperceptions and stereotypes were put into perspective, enabling Course Members to appreciate underlying similarities between the different faiths, especially in terms of respect for such shared values as love and brotherhood.
During the subsequent Q&A session, there was also ample scope for Course Members to participate actively in a constructive dialogue on the historical and contemporary relevance of this culturally vast subject.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN