Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

“THE CHRISTIAN UNITY AND CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE SHOULD
LEAD US IN OUR COMMON ENGAGEMENT”

Stated His Holiness Aram I

Receiving the representatives of Christian leagues, His Holiness Aram I
emphasized the decisive importance of Christian togetherness. “It is a
fact that Christian communities have different theological perceptions
and different political approaches, but eventually we belong to one
Christian community. Therefore, we must strengthen our common ground
by making it a source of strength and deeper commitment”. Speaking
about the Christian-Muslim dialogue, Aram I considered it “an essential
dimension of our common life in Lebanon. It is integral to our daily
life. It touches all spheres and aspects of our lives. Lebanon means
co-existence, but the challenge is how we can sustain our coexistence
by common values, perspectives and aspirations that ensure the unity,
independence and sovereignty of Lebanon”.

In response to some of the questions raised by those present pertaining
to Christian-Muslim dialogue, His Holiness referred to inter-religious
dialogue as “a global concern and a clear priority for all the
churches”. He said that “Unfortunately, inter-religious dialogue
has become a fashion in many regions and such initiatives are taken
for the sake of making headlines and gaining some visibility. If we
are serious about inter-religious dialogue, we must give substance,
establish a clear agenda to such dialogues”. His Holiness also
stressed the importance of methodology and strategy to be adopted by
inter-religious dialogue. He said: “Superficial approaches, one-sided
and bias attitudes do not help to promote closer collaboration between
religions. We must be realistic. We must address the root cause and not
just symptoms of issues and challenges facing religions and societies”
said His Holiness.

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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
Ecumenical activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.