Holy See calls for culture of peace

(October 21, 2010) The Holy See is urging United Nations member states to work toward building a culture of peace. Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, permanent observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, made this appeal in an address on Monday. The prelate urged states to foster "productive, sincere relationships, seeking out forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as being transparent in their dealings with others and being faithful to their word," a press release from the Holy See Mission to the United Nations reported. Saying that peace in not “merely the absence of conflict but the harmonious coexistence of individual citizens within a society governed by justice," archbishop Chullikatt underlined the importance of religions in the effort to build a culture of peace. He said that "religions promote reconciliation by impelling persons to move forward in a spirit of mutual cooperation," and religions "contribute to the respect for human life and the observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms." In this regard he pointed to the Holy See’s efforts towards interreligious relations through the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Archbishop Chullikatta also warned against promoting principles that go against the moral order especially with regard to reproductive health and sexual rights.