PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web: http://www.cathcil.org/
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version: http://www.cathcil.org/v04/doc/Armenian.htm
“THE CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION NEEDS TO BE FURTHER DEEPENED AND EXPENDED”
stated His Holiness Aram I in Kuwait
“In pluralist societies today inter-faith dialogue is not an option but a necessity. Interaction, interpenetration and interdependence are significant features and dominant realities of modern societies. Religions, as integral components of human societies, can not remain aloof and indifferent.
They
are active part of dialogical interaction occurring in all areas and at all levels of society life”. This statement was made by His Holiness Aram I in a context of a press conference in Kuwait, on Saturday, 26 November, 2005.
Speaking about the crucial importance of inter-faith dialogue he said :
“Religion has an important place in public life; it is no more a private affair. Religion both impacts the human life in all its aspects and manifestations and is at the same time impacted by almost all developments and changes taking place in societies. Therefore, religions must work together and meet the common needs of humanity and face common challenges together. Differences must be respected and accepted, and common values must be deepened. Religions have a common responsibility vis-à-vis humanity.
They
must assume their common calling and task together”, said His Holiness Aram I.
In response to a question concerning Christian Muslim dialogue Catholicos Aram I reminded that “The Christian Muslim dialogue is not an academic exercise; it is not a mere theological intercourse. Christian Muslim dialogue is an existential reality, it is a way of life. It is rooted in our common history. In the Middle East we don’t speak about dialogue; we live it; it is inseparable part of our life. I come from Lebanon where we don’t speak about dialogue but about a shared life. In spite of our differences we have never lost in Lebanon the sense of being part of a broader Lebanese community on the bases of common values and aspirations. In fact, the Christian Muslim dialogue as a way of life is one of the characteristic marks of the history of this region. This is not only a source of pride for us, but also a challenge and a reminder that we must deepen our collaboration in a world which is in dire need of peace with justice and reconciliation”.
The reaction of His Holiness Aram I concerning a question whether “terrorism is identified with Islam” was immediate and firm: “No, this is not true and this way of looking at violence is unacceptable”. Referring to violence, Aram I said: “It is the most terrible evil of human life; we all are experiencing the destructive and deadly consequences of violence. I don’t believe that any religion, will endorse violence. All religions must join their forces to combat violence”. In this context His Holiness mentioned that in 2000 the World Council Churches has initiated A Decade to Overcome Violence.
In his concluding remarks Catholicos Aram I maid an appeal to all religions and particularly to Islam and Christianity “to deepen and enlarge the common ground to face together the new challenges of societies and work together for the promotion of moral, spiritual and human values”.
His Holiness Aram I is visiting the Armenian community in Kuwait. More than ten thousand Armenians live in Kuwait; they have a church, school and community organizations. The primate of the community is His Eminence Archbishop Gorun Babian. Armenians are very active particularly in the economic life of Kuwait.
Yorumlar kapatıldı.