Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses profound concern at resurgence of Violence
August 15, 2012: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has expressed profound
concern about the resurgence of violence currently spreading throughout the world.
In a press release on Tuesday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said that ‘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 statement added.
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, Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew added.
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.