Ovidius University from Constana

Faculty of Theology

The Gheorghe Zane Institute for

Economic and Social Research
Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch

Center for Studies and

Interreligious and Intercultural
Dialog

Archiepiscopate of Tomis

Invitation to International Conference

INTER-RELIGIOUS AND INTER-CULTURAL DIALOGUE IN A
PLURALISTIC WORLD.
Philosophical and Theological Perspectives
June 1-2, 2016

Constana, Romania

In our contemporary society, cultural contact enhanced by the dynamics of globalization,

migration and new communication technologies, underlies and encourages the meeting of
religions and cultures. This meeting crosses geographical, political and economic territories and
provides an opportunity for religions and cultures to interact both at the personal and
institutional levels. This meeting and interaction is more than a reality; it is more importantly a
great challenge that can outline at least four different attitudes: 1) indifference the lack of
interest and concern for other religions or cultures, 2) fundamentalism seen as fanaticism or
intolerance to religious and cultural diversity, 3) openness to other religions and cultures without
changing ones identity, and 4) acculturation a two-way process of social change that affects
religions and cultures.
In this context, dialogue can be a mechanism or a framework and a source for respecting
others values while maintaining ones own religious and cultural identity. Through dialogue one
can gain the certainty of his own religious and cultural beliefs and be open to contact with other
religions and cultures which is inevitable and have a constructive recognition of different
religious and cultural values. A genuine inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue is based on
respect, understanding and hospitality. This will redound to peaceful living not violent conflicts,
to mutual respect not mutual disrespect, to cultivating ethnic and religious identity together with
the different ones, and to develop a culture of living together in harmony a culture that avoids
transforming diversity to adversity and mistaking identity with isolation. Such inter-religious and
cultural dialogue can also be a platform for analysing contemporary social issues and concerns
like moral trivialization, family crisis, ecological crisis, mans identity crisis etc.
Amidst the misunderstanding, chaos and violence in our contemporary pluralistic world
there is a need for deeper reflection and a sustained rational discourse among individuals from
different religious and cultural persuasions and background; and a genuine dialogue, one that is
based on respect and hospitality can be a framework for religious understanding and world peace.

Subthemes:
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The theological and philosophical considerations of dialogue as inter-human relationship

Inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue: efficient standards and patterns in maximizing peace
The significance of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue in a pluralistic world
Identity and alterity in dialogic relation: philosophical perspectives
Peace as an integrative basis for social coexistence
Spirituality in the horizon of inter-religious dialogue
Religious radicalism and fundamentalism: sociological analysis
Globalization as a challenge or opportunity in affirming religious identity
Tolerance and intolerance in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism
The challenge of religious extremism to religious understanding
The effect or impact of globalization to religions and cultures

Abstract:
Please send 300-500 words and a brief C.V. to Lect. Dr. Ioan DURA (duraioan@yahoo.com) until
April 15, 2016. Presentations will be in English or Romanian language. Full papers will be
published by the Faculty of Theology from Constana.

Logistics:
There is no registration fee. Travel expense will be covered by participants or their
institutions. The organizers will provide accommodation and meals during the conference.
Person for contact:
Lect. Dr. Ioan DURA
Phone: +4 0740257433
E-mail: duraioan@yahoo.com
Faculty of Theology
Ovidius University from Constana
Committee organizers:

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Teodosie PETRESCU - Archbishop of Tomis (Romania)

Prof. Dr. Fr. Bogdan MOISE - Dean of Faculty of Theology, Ovidius University from Constana (Romania)
Prof. Dr. Fr. Nicolae ACHIMESCU - University from Bucharest (Romania)
Prof. Dr. John FARINA - George Mason University (SUA)
Prof. Dr. Abdul RASHID - University of Karachi (Pakistan)
Prof. Dr. Jove Jim S. AGUAS - University of Santo Thomas (Filipine)
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed SULEYMAN - Beni Suef University (Egypt)
Assoc. Prof. Dan-Gabriel SMBOTIN - Romanian Academy - Iai Branch (Romania)
Prof. Dr. Fr. Dnu POPOVICI - Ovidius University from Constana (Romania)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bogdan-Florin CHIRILU - Ovidius University from Constana (Romania)
Lect. Dr. Ioan DURA - Ovidius University from Constana (Romania)

Faculty of Theology - Ovidius University from Constana

Aleea Universitii, Nr. 1, Campus Corp A, Constana, Phone: +40 241 670900
The Gheorghe Zane Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch
Str. T. Codrescu, Nr. 2, Iai, Phone:+40 332 408922
Center for Studies and Interreligious and Intercultural Dialog
Str. Sfnta Ecaterina, Nr. 2-4, Sector 4, Bucureti
Archiepiscopate of Tomis
Str. Arhiepiscopiei, Nr. 23, Constana, Phone: +40 241 614020