News
Religious leaders in Cyprus stood together against violence towards women and girls, releasing a first-ever official joint statement on 8 March to mark International Women’s Day 2017.
Religious leaders of the five main faith communities of Cyprus, namely Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Armenian Orthodox, Maronite and Latin Catholic, released a strong message against all forms of economic, psychological, sexual and physical abuse towards women.
The statement was officially launched in Nicosia, Cyprus, during a ceremony held by the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP) under the auspices of the Embassy of Sweden. The RTCYPP is a peacebuilding initiative with the religious leaders of Cyprus who are committed to work together for human rights, peace and reconciliation.
The gathering was represented by Archbishop Chrysostomos, head of Cyprus’s Greek Orthodox Church; Muslim leader Mufti Talip Atalay; and Maronite Archbishop Youssef representing also Rev. Fr Jerzy Kraj and Archbishop Khoren.
“We reiterate our common belief that men and women have equal value in the eyes of God. Christianity and Islam condemn violence against women. Violence against women and girls, in whatever form, is a contradiction to the will of God and unacceptable in His eyes,” reads the statement.
Along with the religious leaders, 80 people attended the event, including leaders from different faith communities and women’s organizations, as well as representatives of the United Nations and the European Union.
Statement from the religious leaders of Cyprus
Related links:
Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process
WCC programme for Women in Church and Society
WCC news release on interreligious team visit to Cyprus, December 2016
