"While
condemning the violence whatever its origin and calling for a just and
lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we express our
solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose current situation
encourages fundamentalism" in the region.
Hence
the lack of respect for religious freedom a major cause of the
increasing emigration of Christians and often educated people of other
religions, which deprives the country of important energy.
The “Relatio post disceptationem”, or report after discussions, is explicit regarding the dramatic situation in the Middle East and particularly the Christians who live in the region. The
report was read this morning in the Synod of Bishops for the Middle
East, in the presence of the Pope, by the general relator, Egyptian
Archbishop Antonios Naguib, patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts.
"The socio-political situation of our countries - the document states - have a direct impact on Christians, who feel more strongly their negative consequences”, particularly of events like the war in Iraq and the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Regarding
the latter it reiterates the call for a two-state solution and says
that "on more than one occasion the Holy See has clearly expressed its
position, hoping that the two peoples can live in peace, each in its homeland with secure, internationally recognized borders".
Large space is devoted to religious freedom. It "is the basis of relations between Muslims and Christians" and "should be a priority issue in interreligious dialogue. We would like - the document states - the Koranic principle that 'no compulsion in religion' was actually put into practice".
Some
synod fathers "spoke of the constraints, limits on freedom, violence
and exploitation of migrant workers in other countries".
This
latter fact is part of the growing phenomenon of many workers of
Christian religions arriving from Africa and Asia, mainly women.
"These - explain the synod fathers - find
themselves in an atmosphere of Muslim predominance, and sometimes with
little opportunity for religious practice. Many feel abandoned, faced
with abuse and mistreatment, in situations of injustice, and violation
of laws and international conventions”.
To the point that “some
immigrants change their names to be more accepted and supported".
While making these present realities, none of the Fathers, though, " No
one quoted the Koranic verses on which the extremists base themselves
to justify their attitude and acts of violence. This shows the
praiseworthy attitude of the Pastors to see what unites and calms rather
than what separates. "
"Our
closeness to Muslims is strengthened by 14 centuries of living
together, in enduring difficult moments as well as many positive ones”.
Clear, therefore, the choice in favour of dialogue, which
in order to be successful, requires that Christians and Muslims know
each other better.
"We have the duty to
educate our faithful for interreligious dialogue and in the acceptance
of religious diversity, in respect and in mutual esteem. The prejudices
inherited from the history of conflicts and controversies, on both
sides, must be carefully faced, clarified and corrected".
In any case, "dialogue must be fulfilled in truth”.
Even in the current situation, however, Christians "must
become increasingly rooted in their societies and not be tempted to turn
inward as a minority."
Instead, "according to the
possibilities in each country, Christians must promote democracy,
justice and peace, and positive secularism in the distinction between
religion and state and respect for every religion."
SIC: AN/INT'L