In terms of activity, it is clear that inter-religious dialogue has spread to many parts of the world and involves people at many levels of society. Yet religious intolerance and extremism persists - indeed, in many places it seems to be on the increase. Religions have, on the whole, been powerless to stop conflict and may well embitter it.

The conviction, however, voiced recently by Professor Hans Küng, that there will be no world peace without peace between religions, echoes the dream of those who promoted the World's Parliament of Religions. It is a hope that has inspired the interfaith movement and gives to it continuing urgency today. Indeed there are those who believe religions' ability to contribute to world peace and justice will be the test of religions' future credibility.

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