Cardinal Tells UN of Religions' True Nature

 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."