ARMENIA and Azerbaijan have been hailed as models of ecumenical and inter-faith relations.The accolade came from Cardinal Bertone, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
The Cardinal has juts returned from a visit to the two countries and spoke warmly of his trip in an interview with L'Osservatore Romano and Vatican Radio and Television.
He said that Armenia was characterized by the "coexistence of the ancient Armenian Apostolic community and the Catholic community of Armenians," and a "very developed" ecumenical dialogue.
He added that Karekin II, supreme patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, is due to visit Rome.
The Cardinal also hailed the peaceful co-existence in Azerbaijan between the majority Muslim population and the Catholic and Orthodox communities.
"The esteem that this great Muslim authority shows for the Catholic Church, for the Pope, is very high and has not wavered. Also in these recent times, it has been shown in [the public addresses by the chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office, Sheik Allashukur Pashazade], before the leaders of the Muslim communities of Azerbaijan and of the Caucasian [office]."
He added that the country was a model of co-existence because “for example, the president, with the agreement of the Muslim sheik, offered the land for the reconstruction of the church of the Catholic community that had been destroyed under the Communist regime.
"It is a sign that gives proof of a respect for other religions, both on the part of the political authorities and on the Muslim religious authorities" in a country where "certainly the traits of a modern, lay society can be seen, but that nevertheless recognizes the public value of religions for the development and peaceful coexistence in a political community," he added.
"It seems to me, then, that below this profile is an imitable model, I would say, an exportable one, naturally with peaceful means, because if not, we would go against the principle of liberty."
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