Religious leaders should reconcile, not divide

From the Crusades to terrorist attacks, from Ireland to the Middle East, religious conflicts have been a part of human history. But analysts say most holy scriptures teach love and understanding among nations. People are often ready to fight for their faith, unaware that it differs little from the faith of their neighbors. There’s near universal agreement among scholars that while most world religions share common ethics, their rituals and traditions vary from decorating Christmas trees, lighting Chanukah candles, wearing headscarves or yarmulke, for example. These outward demonstrations of diversity often provoke tensions between religious groups. Religious rituals are important, but sometimes detract from the common ethics all religions share.