Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Delivers a Lecture on Christian Unity and Peace in the “Peace is the Future” Conference in Antwerp – Belgium
September 2014
On Monday September 8, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II participated in a panel on “Christian Unity and Peace” in the “Peace is the Future Conference” and delivered a lecture entitled: “Christian Unity and Peace: St. Paul’s Call Since the Early Church”.
During His Lecture, His Holiness spoke about the unity in Christian faith and how Christian faithful are united starting with what St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “endeavoring for unity in the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 3). He spoke of the great work that Christian churches have made so far in the ecumenical sphere and towards unity.
He pointed out that what awaits us on the road to unity is much greater. His Holiness stressed on the importance of humility when we endeavor for the unity of the churches. Moreover, he highlighted the pressing need for unity especially in the Middle East where Christians are killed and slaughtered, and division would only make the churches weaker. Division does not help the Christian presence in the Middle East.
Patriarch Aphrem II also spoke about the importance of peace in Christianity. He said that we should seek peace at all costs in particular at times when the requirements for peace are scarce and injustice, war and killing is the sole occupation of some men.
At the end of his lecture, His Holiness called upon all religious leaders and politicians to work seriously for peace in the Middle East and throughout the whole world.
