Religions, if they are faithful to their nature, are messengers and craftsmen of
peace, declared a representative of Pope Benedict XVI to the U.N. general assembly.
The U.N. assembly was considering Wednesday the theme "Culture and Peace" and Cardinal
Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue,
spoke with the assembly about making fraternity a reality, not just an ideal. "All
together, without negating our specific cultural and religious aspects, may we work
to draw up a plan toward a more secure world," he encouraged. His discourse showed
how "religions, despite weakness and contradictions in their followers, are messengers
of reconciliation and peace." The cardinal explained: "In their families and schools,
as well as in their respective places of worship, believers who pray practice solidarity
and encourage all the initiatives that contribute to the defence of the person and
the earth, likewise teaching the language and gestures of peace. "They make an effort
to listen, understand, respect the other, to trust in him before judging him. All
of these attitudes educate and open a space for peace.""Each week, millions of believers
gather in their synagogues, churches, mosques and other places of worship to pray,"
the Vatican representative continued. "They have an experience of fraternity. They
achieve unity in diversity. They remind everyone that 'man does not live on bread
alone.'" The cardinal acknowledged that "it is necessary for believers to be coherent
and believable.” He then concluded affirming the desire of the Church to "continue
offering to all brothers and sisters in humanity a spirit -- that of fraternity; a
strength -- that of prayer; a hope -- that which Christ offers."