Ecumenical Patriarch appeals for world peace, ceasefire in Syria
(Vatican Radio) His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople
New Rome has issued an appeal for peace in a world besieged by intolerance, regional
instability, and ethnic and religious-motivated violence. The following is the text
of his appeal:
The Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses profound concern about
the resurgence of violence currently spreading throughout the world. From America
to Africa and throughout Europe and Asia, continents are confronted with the phenomenon
of intolerance that not only undermines world stability and peace, but also constitutes
a denial of human dignity. Racial murders, genocide, ethnic cleansing, anti-semitism,
destruction of places of worship etc, constitute barbaric acts that must be denounced
publicly, particularly when they are masked with the veil of religion in an effort
to justify them. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is particularly concerned about the
situations in the Middle East, as well as in Nigeria and Sudan. Clashes between Christians
and Muslims in these parts of the world must be overcome by promoting love for one's
neighbor as the peaceful expression of the bond uniting every human being. Furthermore,
the Ecumenical Patriarchate is deeply concerned about the future of the people of
Syria, as well as for the future of Christianity in that country. Therefore, we are
calling on all parties involved in this conflict to lay down their weapons, especially
given the urgency of the humanitarian situation. The solution to such conflicts
requires dialogue above all else. Dialogue constitutes more than merely a better
understanding or toleration of our differences, indeed, dialogue is the essence of
reconciliation and transformation. Therefore, religious leaders should be working
together, through dialogue, to affirm God's peace in the world. We, as religious
leaders, have a moral obligation to resist war and promote peace as a vital and fundamental
necessity for all humanity. Religion cannot and should never be a basis for war and
conflict, nor should it be used as an instrument of fundamentalism and fanaticism
for purely political motives and ends. With great resolve, we have repeatedly emphasized
that any crime in the name of religion is a crime against religion. In this respect,
dialogue is the only hope for attaining peace. Finally, His All-Holiness Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew and the Ecumenical Patriarchate express their solidarity with
and compassion to all communities affected by violence, addressing a fervent appeal
to all autocephalous Orthodox Churches, all Christian Churches and religious communities,
as well as to international organizations and states, as well as every person of good
will, to contribute to the triumph of peace over war and hatred.
At the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, August 14, 2012 The Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod