PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father 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:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I: "WE NEED TO ADAPT
RELIGION TO NEW TIMES"
This morning His Holiness met with the representatives of World Council of
Islam-Christian Cooperation lead by its General Secretary Dr. Yousef Farran.
The focus of the meeting was the role of religion in general and the
Christian-Muslim dialogue in particular. His Holiness Aram I considered
religion as "a force in society, and the nature and scope of its role are
defined differently by religions in different times and in different
contexts". His Holiness warned about "misuse of religious feelings and
values". It is vitally important, said Aram I, that "religions as a force be
used for the transformation and progress of society, and not as a means to
generate violence and presume political interests".
Catholicos Aram I also stressed the need for the religion to adapt itself to
new times. "Religion has its traditions, values and principles. They need to
become more relevant and open to new conditions and realities. Adapting
religion to new times, by keeping the substance of its teachings, in my
judgment, is essential for the inner renewal of religion".
His Holiness also discussed with his visitors a number of matters pertaining
to Christian-Muslim dialogue. He welcomed the growing commitment of
Christians and Muslims throughout the world to engage in process of seeking
common values and working together by respecting each others values and
traditions.
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View the photo here: #2
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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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress