ASIA/PAKISTAN - Ecumenical Christmas: Christians called to be "leaven for peace"

Tuesday, 22 December 2015 ecumenicalism local churches peace

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Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "Jesus Christ was born during the reign of King Herod who ordered to kill all newborn babies. Today there are many 'Herods' who hate and kill: it is our task to spread the message of life, because Jesus brings plenty of life": is what Mgr. Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop of Lahore said during his participation with other Christian religious leaders at an ecumenical meeting in view of Christmas. The meeting, organized by the Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Committee of ecumenical solidarity in Lahore, was a time when Christians in Pakistan, of all denominations, came together to reaffirm the commitment to peace, justice, harmony.
The leader of the Salvation Army, Salamat, reiterated: "Hope, peace and joy are the Christmas spirit; it is our duty to spread peace, hope and joy in our society".
Even Bishop Samuel Robert Azaria, of the Anglican Church of Pakistan, said that "the birth of Jesus is an event for the whole world: He is the prince of peace for all mankind", while the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Majeed Abel, agreed that "Christians in Pakistan are called to spread peace in society, to be leaven for peace".
Capuchin Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap, Provincial of the friars in Pakistan and coordinator of the Interreligious Council, reiterated his commitment to work with dedication "to strengthen ecumenical solidarity among all the Churches in Pakistan". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/12/2015)