Europe is currently witnessing an ever-increasing polarisation of society, security, politics and religion – the result of this is a a greater than ever need for cultural and religious understanding both across the continent and beyond.

This requires more responsibility and leadership from religious leaders, of all religions, to build new bridges in order to strengthen social cohesion through dialogue across religious boundaries.

The IFFSE regards this as our number one obligation – to renew in Europe a culture of respect and appreciation of religious identities and traditions and to facilitate moderate practices of religion which complies with laws, norms and values. Through a new form of interfaith dialogue, IFFSE aims to foster moderate religious practices, counterattack the abuse of religion, safeguard religious freedoms and mobilise religious leaders to play an active role in improving the security of their communities.