- Title: USA: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visits a Manhattan synagogue
- Date: 30th October 2009
- Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 28, 2009) (REUTERS) (*** FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ***) ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW ENTERING SYNAGOGUE SYNAGOGUE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW, SAYING: "There is no doubt in our mind that interfaith dialogue is a responsibility and obligation for all religious leaders of our time. For not only do we have common ground that unites us, such as the sacred scriptures that we cherish as well as the patriarchs and prophets that we venerate, but we also have common issues that we face in our world. Foremost among these crucial issues is the preservation of God's creation, the natural environment that we are commanded to keep." SYNAGOGUE (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW, SAYING: "Other issues of common concern for the world's faith communities, include the rising fundamentalism and fanaticism in religious circles, as well as the escalating racism and terrorism in the world. That is why we joined with Rabbi Schneier and we continue to work with the Appeal of Conscience Foundation to encourage greater understanding and tolerance among religions and when necessary to speak the truth in love and declare, as first declared in Berne, Switzerland and reaffirmed in Istanbul, a crime committed in the name of religion, is a crime against religion." PEOPLE APPLAUDING
- Embargoed: 14th November 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA933PMOQD1FE2Y6WIAY0NK82CL
- Story Text: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual leader of about 250 million Orthodox Christians, visited a Jewish synagogue in New York on Wednesday (October 28).
It was Bartholomew's only scheduled visit to a synagogue during his 18-day U.S. visit.
Bartholomew, sometimes referred to as "The Green Patriarch" because of his ecological advocacy, spoke of a shared obligation to protect the Earth's natural resources.
"There is no doubt in our mind that interfaith dialogue is a responsibility and obligation for all religious leaders of our time. For not only do we have common ground that unites us, such as the sacred scriptures that we cherish as well as the patriarchs and prophets that we venerate, but we also have common issues that we face in our world. Foremost among these crucial issues is the preservation of God's creation, the natural environment that we are commanded to keep," he said.
At the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, Bartholomew was welcomed by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who is also the President and founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF). ACF is an organization that works to promote peace and religious tolerance.
During his speech, Bartholomew also condemned religious extremism.
"Other issues of common concern for the world's faith communities, include the rising fundamentalism and fanaticism in religious circles, as well as the escalating racism and terrorism in the world. That is why we joined with Rabbi Schneier and we continue to work with the Appeal of Conscience Foundation to encourage greater understanding and tolerance among religions and when necessary to speak the truth in love and declare, as first declared in Berne, Switzerland and reaffirmed in Istanbul, a crime committed in the name of religion, is a crime against religion," he said.
Bartholomew will also meet with U.S. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, during the rest of his U.S. visit. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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