“THE CHURCHES OF INDIA LIVE AS ONE FAMILY IN A BROADER MULTI-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY”

“THE CHURCHES OF INDIA LIVE AS ONE FAMILY IN A BROADER MULTI-RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY”- His Holiness Aram I

02/28/2010

Concluding his visit to the Indian Orthodox church, His Holiness Aram I said that “The Churches of India live as one family with a strong sense of togetherness as integral part of a broader inter-religious community”. He warmly welcomed the Churches growing commitment to working together and moving forward to the visible unity of the church: “The Churches of India share a common tradition and values. They all venerate ST. Thomas as the founder of Christianity in India. This sense of belonging to the same tradition must become a driving force in the churches endeavors to give fuller manifestation to the communion of faith” said His Holiness Aram I.

Aram I was speaking at the farewell diner given in his honor by His Holiness Dydimos I. Attending the diner were the bishops of the Indian Orthodox Church, representatives of the churches, state ministers and deputies and representatives of civil society.

Catholicos Aram I also stressed the vital importance of living together as a community with other religions, considering India “a model of community of inter- religious diversities”. He said that “a community of inter-religious diversities must be built on common values and sustained by tolerance and mutual trust”.

According to His Holiness, globalization is a “hope and progress”, at the same time it may become a source of “evil if its values are taken blindly”. He said that we must have “a critical and realistic approach to globalization. The local traditions and identities must not be destroyed by the forces of globalization. Religions have a special role to play in this respect”.

The concluding remarks of Aram I was preceded by the greetings of Catholicos designate of the Indian Orthodox Church, metropolitan Gregory of Trivandrum Dr. Ninon Koshi, the former director of the World Council of Churches International Affairs Department and minster of cultural and education.

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