Theophilos III: Religious Leaders Must be Good Influence

Greek Patriarch Theophilos III on Thursday voiced his belief in the ability of religious leaders to be an influence for good during a reception hosted by the president at his residence.
“The mission of religious leaders throughout the ages has been essential in safeguarding the religious character of Jerusalem,” he told the annual gathering for spiritual and lay leaders of Christian churches, communities and institutions.
“As spiritual leaders, our preaching of reconciliation, symbiosis, justice and peace must always find expression in practice. We must make courageous decisions now on the ground for the sake of all, before it is too late.”

The patriarch commended President Shimon Peres for the stand taken by the president when he spoke out against “recent sacrilegious acts that were intended to harm the freedom of worship that is practiced in the Holy Land.”
Peres’s strong condemnation of all forms of bigotry and prejudice against places of worship – be they Jewish, Christian or Muslim – “is a bright example for all leaders to follow,” said the patriarch.

It is the Greek patriarch who invariably speaks on behalf of all Christian denominations at gatherings of this kind, perhaps because those who have filled the position have resided in Jerusalem for centuries.
“It is the role of religion to inspire political leaders to carry out their difficult tasks, but the clergy share the burden of leadership in their own moral and pastoral ministry,” the patriarch continued.

“Just as political leaders must be shaped by the moral principles of their religious traditions, in the same way religious leaders have a role in forming individuals and congregations of faithful people in the exercise of responsible citizenship.”

The peoples of the Holy Land in general and the Christian community in particular are a living testimony to the diversity that makes up the common life of the country’s population, said Theophilos.
“This occasion gives us welcome opportunity to listen to each other in our concerns,” he said.

Jerusalem, he said, “is the uncontested, shared spiritual symbol of the world.
Jerusalem remains a refuge for pilgrims of all faiths who seek divine encouragement and refreshment of the soul.”
In this respect, he said, Christians appreciate the efforts of Israeli authorities in facilitating access for pilgrims and worshippers.

Nonetheless, he noted there were concerns common to the Christian community as a whole in which there could be further helpful programs.
These included regular access to holy sites, entry visas for clergy, honoring of the tax exemption “that is sanctioned by sacred history” and the historic standing of the ownership of Church property.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues from other Christian denominations, Theophilos declared: “We continue to affirm that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem along with our sister churches can contribute decisively to stability, reconciliation and lasting peace in our beloved Holy Land and throughout the region.”
This was amply illustrated, he said, by the work being carried out through the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land.
(source: Jerusalem Post)