Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - "The inter-religious and intercultural relations - opportunities and challenges for our solidarity. An Albanian contribution to building Europe". This is the theme proposed for the next meeting of the European "Justice and Peace" Commission to be held in Albania from September 16 to 20. The Archbishop of Tirana, His Exc. Mgr. Rrok Mirdita and the Archbishop of Shkodra, His Exc. Mgr. Angelo Massafra will receive the representatives of 30 National Commissions of the European continent for the annual study meeting and the General Assembly.
The Conference of the European Justice and Peace Commission (Justice and Peace Europe, CEJPC) is a European network which today includes 30 national Committees, each recognized by its Episcopal Conference. The CEJPC secretariat is currently in Paris.
As the statement sent to Fides underlines, Albania is a country where different religions have coexisted for some time in mutual understanding and respect. After the period of Communist rule, when all religions were banned, now there are five religious communities recognized by the State: Muslims, Orthodox, Catholics, Bektashi and Protestants. Relations between them are open and respectful, confirming that different religions can live and work together in peace. Albania’s model can then be a valuable contribution to building Europe. Specifically to analyze more deeply this concrete expression of dialogue and cooperation between religions and faiths, representatives of the Justice and Peace Commissions will be able to meet the various religious communities in various cities. Together with representatives of these communities, the experiences made will then be pooled and elaborated during a round table and the final discussion. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 08/09/2011)
