Pope Benedict has issued an invitation to leaders of all the world’s religions to meet with him in Assisi this coming October to halt violence between religions
Increasingly concerned with a wave of anti-Christian sentiment that has spread across the globe, Pope Benedict has called for a summit among religious leaders to discuss how they can promote peace. Benedict told visitors in St. Peter’s Square the aim of the summit, scheduled for October in Assisi would be to “solemnly renew the commitment of believers of every religion to live their own religious faith in the service of the cause for peace.”
The Pope also said:
“Once again, I make a pressing appeal (to Christians in troubled areas) not to give in to discouragement and resignation,” he said.
I must confess to feeling somewhat dispirited reading of the wave of Christian persecution in Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and so on, over the last week or so.
…..so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Further Links:
Vatican Radio – Pope invites leaders of world’s religions to Assisi
Catholic online – Pope calls for peace summit to halt violence between religions
January 4th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
This sounds a very good idea. I’m not wildly keen on the RCC or the Pope, as regulars will know (;-)), but it does seem to me that this initiative might give positive results. In view of the horrors we see around the world, any level of success would be worthwhile.
Steps towards inter-faith sympathy, even empathy – moderate Muslims are more likely to die at the hands of a suicide bomber than Christians – would be entirely a good thing. If moderates across the world unite against fanatics of any stripe, we might see progress.
January 4th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
EGYPT:COPTIC BISHOP IN ROME, NO TO MUSLIM PRESENCE ON SUNDAY
In reference to his wish to exclude both Muslim religious and political representatives, Msg. Soryany added he was “unafraid to say so”.