Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kingston (Agenzia Fides) - The work of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (see Fides 14/5/2011, 24/5/2011) has concluded with the strong commitment by all parties to continue the path taken and to bring into homes and religious communities around the world, testimonies and stories that demonstrate that war is illegal and that peace is the milestone for all religious traditions. In the concluding message, drafted by the committee composed of seven members and chaired by Bishop Ivan Abrahams of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, released by the World Council of Churches (WCC), reads: "Together with participants from other religions, we have recognized that peace is a core value for all religions, and that the promise of peace extends to everyone, regardless of traditions and compromises. By strengthening dialogue we have to reach a point of convergence for all religions of the world. "
The whole assembly agreed that every church and every religion have different viewpoints regarding the path towards peace, but Bishop Abrahams added, " in fact they are closely related, and even in our diversity we can speak with only one voice." "This message is for us, for our Churches and organizations affiliated with the Churches, as well as the tortured world that God loves so much." The message also recognizes our mistakes towards the path of peace: "We are aware that Christians have often been accomplice in systems of violence, injustice, militarism, racism, intolerance and discrimination for reasons of caste or for other reasons. We ask God's forgiveness, and ask him to turn us into advocates of proper peace. "
"We are called to give just one witness - said the general Secretary of the WCC, Olav Fykse Tveit, addressing more than 1,000 participants -. The right path to peace has brought us together. " "The work starts now - said Prof. Fernando Enns, moderator of the Preparatory Committee of the meeting -. We are beginning to understand the possibilities we have when we really respect each other. The Church must speak to the marginalized, just because that is where it lives. " (AP) (Agenzia Fides 27/05/2011)
