An interfaith group in South Korea organized a seminar to help people clear misconceptions about Islam, including the wearing the hijab, to forge better ties with the minority faith in the country.
The Korean Religious Peace Conference (KCRP) held a public seminar on the dialogue between Korean religions and Islam titled “Islam: Approaching Peaceful Co-existence and Future” from Dec. 5-6 in the capital Seoul, the Ca-tholic Times reported on Dec. 7.
In his opening address, Kim Dong-eok, president of the Korean Muslim Association, emphasized that Islam is a “religion of peace.”
“There are people who mis-understand the true meaning of Islam in Korean society. I hope that many people will understand and cooperate with Korean Islam through this seminar,” said Kim.
“The image of Islam has become increasingly fixed as one of violence, dictatorship, and oppression”
The KCRP was established in 1965 by leaders of six religious groups — Protestantism, Buddh-ism, Confucianism, Won-Buddh-ism, Cheondo-gyo, and Catholi-cism — with an aim to promote dialogue and harmony among followers of various religions.