Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) - The leaders and representatives of the religious communities in the Holy Land went to visit the synagogue in Jerusalem, which yesterday was the scene of a bloody terrorist attack, to express solidarity with the affected community and condemn all together acts of violence that do not spare places of worship. The visit was attended by Christian, Muslim, Druze and Jew leaders and representatives.
Among the various speeches held, the Christian Churches was represented by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Thephilos III, while for the Muslims, the Mufti of Akko. "Speeches – says to Agenzia Fides the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, who took part in the visit - repeated emphatically that no reason and no political intention can justify violence against people praying and attacks in places dedicated to prayer and silence. He recalled that all people of responsibility, politicians and religious leaders, must do their best to condemn this violence and avoid as much as possible the causes which lead other people to violence. The very act of gathering together in that place of sorrow, hit by violence - adds His Beatitude Twal - is a sign of hope. It means that in Jerusalem the different religions share the will to live together in peace and mutual respect, and that conflict and violence cannot prevail and disfigure the face of the Holy City. In this spirit, we Christians prepare ourselves for Advent, hoping to be able to welcome pilgrims from all over the world". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2014)
