Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II Receives Delegation of the Islamic-Christian Youth Commission for Dialogue
July – August 2014
On July 31, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II received a delegation from the Islamic-Christian Youth Commission for Dialogue headed by president Mr. Malek Al-Mawlawi and vice-president Mr. Joy Haddad, at the patriarchal residence in Atchaneh, Bikfaya – Lebanon in the presence of His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury.
His Holiness listened to the brief exposition of the work of the commission and its mission. The president of the commission described their work in soci-political and culture scenario.
His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II then spoke of the current situation and the role of religion in spreading the message of peace and tolerance. He confirmed that religious fanaticism that we experience in our days, is not acceptable and intruder to our community that is based on love and living together. He added that the expiation of others who hold different religious beliefs than ours is a new phenomenon to our oriental mentality. This oriental mentality is accustomed in dealing with human beings with love and understanding despite of any religious difference. This is the importance of dialogue to resolve conflicts. He emphasized that some organizations in our countries are harming the noble sense of humanity and they are an indication that their followers do not believe in God, rather they are terrorist groups that are against Islam and violate the religious rights of the minorities.
At the end of the meeting, His Holiness blessed the members of the delegation and requested from them to proceed practically to strengthen the ways of mutual understanding and dialogue especially within youth to insure that they adopt moderate methods and reject fanaticism.
