Prize for Interreligious Unity: Barcelona, Spain
 Stella
Maris Barcelona has received a prestigious award for its
work in promoting interreligious unity.
The Prize for Interreligious Unity and Dialogue has been
awarded by the Permanent Working Group for Religions of
Barcelona. The group is a meeting point for representatives
of the major religions of the region of Catalonia. These
include Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Anglicans, Orthodox and
Protestants. The group was created in 2004 and is dedicated
to "education in order to eliminate prejudice and
stereotypes". It uses its network to promote peace and
harmony among religions.
The prize was instituted to promote unity, understanding
and dialogue among religions as a means of achieving peace.
It has been awarded to Stella Maris Barcelona for promoting
their values in assisting People of the Sea whatever their
race, creed, belief or nationality, ensuring that every
seafarer finds the services necessary for his or her
welfare.
The prize was presented in February 2008 at a ceremony
attended by numerous officials including the Director
General of Religious Affairs of the regional government of
Catalonia, the Officer for Civil Rights for the Council of
Barcelona and the Director of the Port of Barcelona. Also
present were representatives of the major religions.
Deacon Ricardo Rodriguéz-Martos, port chaplain in
Barcelona and director of the Stella Maris Centre, said
In our opinion, this prize is not only recognition of the
work of the Apostleship of the Sea in Barcelona, but also of
the Apostleship of the Sea in general. Basically, we all
work with people of all races and religions and we try to
bring a spirit of fraternity and solidarity to our work.
Photograph: Deacon Ricardo displays the award |