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To achieve just peace in the Middle East, “it is very adequate to focus on what would maintain and reinforce the cultural and religious diversity that has distinguished this region for long centuries,” said Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
“The future presence in the homeland of some of these communities is at risk and there is a need to focus on the protection needed for all human beings who are victims of all kinds of violence, also from governments. Furthermore, it is important to mobilize the contributions of the religious communities and their faith traditions for a just peace. I am encouraged to hear how their representatives affirm the dignity of each human being and their rights as citizens, as well as their strong call to end all violence and their denial of weapons as means to solve these conflicts. From the beginning to the end we all must have the focus on the human lives, the human dignity and rights and the human suffering in this tragedy we see,” said Tveit.
Tveit shared his views at the international conference on “Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East” held on 19 October in Athens, Greece.
Tveit acknowledge with appreciation what people, government, the Church of Greece and faith communities are doing in the country to show generous hospitality and solidarity towards the hundreds of thousands refugees. “They are escaping terrible wars in neighbouring countries and trying to find refuge and a safe haven in Europe.”
“In a region troubled by so much turbulence, our faith and hope mean that we are capable of seeing the crucified and risen Christ being with us in the midst of all tribulations,” said Tveit. “Despite being few in number, Christians in the region are, as Jesus said in the gospel, the ‘little yeast that works through the whole batch of dough’. This is a symbol of the positive coexistence we all need and believe in.”
Tveit explained that the WCC has long-time experience in dealing with issues related to the Middle East. He said that the WCC has cultivated relations and co-operation with many Muslim and Jewish leaders and institutions, initiating and facilitating dialogue and joint initiatives on critical issues important in nurturing conviviality among different faith communities.
Tveit added that the WCC is particularly concerned about the presence and witness of the Christians in the Middle East. “Today, their very existence is threatened, and with it the whole rich diversity of the region,” he stated. “It is time for working and walking together in Christian unity.”
The international conference, which was held through an initiative of the Greek foreign minister, Nikos Kotzias, focused on critical issues related to the Middle East, exploring the best ways to protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of religious and cultural communities in the region, with a view toward promoting peaceful co-existence in conditions of dignity and mutual understanding.
Read full text of the WCC general secretary’s speech
WCC programme "Churches in the Middle East”
High resolution photos available free of charge at photos.oikoumene.org
