The role of religious faith in creating a sustainable world with social cohesion, the value of dialogue as the main means in this direction, as well as the condemnation of all forms of violence and religious intolerance, were the pillars of the keynote address of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,……… which he held yesterday afternoon, at the 50th World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
"Faith can achieve its mission and fulfill the role of cohesion and sustainability through dialogue and witness to the world", noted the Ecumenical Patriarch and added: "During our almost thirty years of Patriarchal ministry, we have fought to promote dialogue, which we consider to be the most effective means of troubleshooting. Dialogue is a gesture and source of solidarity, leads to the overcoming of prejudices and mistrust, promotes mutual familiarity and appreciation, and builds respect for otherness".
in addition to, His Holiness described as tragic the fact that many people today tend to equate religion with terrorism, war and intolerance.
Elsewhere in his speech, which was attended by personalities from all over the world, underlined that peace and justice in the world cannot exist without the contribution and cooperation of religions.
He stressed, in fact, that in this context the Ecumenical Patriarchate pioneered ecumenical organizations, such as the World Council of Churches, and supported and promoted bilateral dialogues with non-Orthodox Christians, as well as with Muslims and Jews in the Middle East and internationally.
He reminded, Furthermore, that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, due to the financial crisis, had preached it 2013 as "Year of Global Solidarity", emphasizing the need for initiatives to ensure the right of every human being to enjoy the basic goods of life.
The Patriarch, subsequently, he emphasized that the road to the future is a common journey for all of us, while at another point in his speech he expressed his reservation regarding the characterization of modern Europe as "post-Christian".
Referring to the end of the Cold War period, the 1989, and in the creation of a polycentric world, Patriarch Bartholomew pointed out, including, that "Today religions are called upon to develop and give priority to their peaceful power and their humanitarian principles, in their precious spiritual and moral heritage, as well as in their deep anthropological knowledge, all of which strengthen our commitment and struggle to protect human dignity. Faith and religion can play a vital role in raising awareness and promoting dialogue and cooperation among people on contemporary global challenges".
End, noted that in the face of the contemporary international crisis, all religious communities must renew their message and act as a positive challenge to individuals and peoples and offer an alternative model of life within a globalized culture, "which offered mankind precious gifts, but at the same time it seems to push people to live for themselves, ignoring others, with whom they must share the world".
His Holiness, who participates at the invitation of the organizers, is located in Davos from 20 January already, except for his speech yesterday, has taken part in various Committees of the Forum as well as in parallel events held on the occasion of this year's anniversary meeting in Davos.