The "International Fair of Faith and Christian Deeds" is being held in Abidjan. It is a meeting organized by various movements and Christian Churches of Ivory Coast on the theme: "Here am I, send me" (Is 6:8). To be artisans of peace, unity and reconciliation".
The Keynot address of the opening session that was chaired by the vice-president of the pariament was given by Andrea Riccardi.
The major religious representatives of the country were also present. Among them the Archbishop of Abidjan, Mgr. Jean Pierre Kutwa, and a large delegation of Muslim Imams that wanted thus to honor the Community of Sant'Egidio. They especially paid homage to the Community commitment in the various phases of the mediation aimed at solving the civil war that for five years has divided the country, and to prevent the conflict from assuming the aspect of a religious clash. The conflict in fact, still divides the country between the Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south.
At the end of the conference the fair itself was inaugurated: A number of stands where church and Christian groups explain their activities to the public. The Fair will be open for three days.
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