Message from His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, Third Forum

His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
President, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican
GNRC Third Forum

May 24-26, 2008 Hiroshima, Japan

Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, Representative of Arigatou Foundation,
Friends and Organizers of the Third Forum of GNRC,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my joy to be able to send you this greeting, through our Consultor, Rev. Fr. Pietro Sonoda, OFM Conv., at the Third Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children.

This global network has an important task of reaching out to children, the smallest and most vulnerable, the future generation. They need to be defended, loved and valued. It is in the family that children are first nourished with that love and care which they in turn learn to show towards others. While every effort is made to provide children with food, shelter and education, the family too has to be supported, wherever possible. We cannot overlook the role of the parents. They must also be helped to accomplish their task of nurturing and educating the children. In circumstances where children are orphaned and/or are left alone to fend for themselves, organizations such as the GNRC can provide a healthy and safe environment where loving caregivers can impart to the young valuable lessons on authentic human and religious values that give true meaning to life.

I convey to you my best wishes and assure you of my prayers for a successful meeting and your endeavors with the children in different parts of the world. May God bless you!