PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
May 8, 2007
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AMBASSADOR EVANS SPEAKS OF IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING RELIGION DURING
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY
By Jake Goshert
Diplomats are good at following politics, military affairs, and breaking
news. But when it comes to the soul of a people, they often lack any
understanding, says Ambassador John Evans, America’s former envoy to
Armenia.
In August 2000, a Russian submarine, the Kursk, sank in the cold waters of
the artic. Because of its Cold War posture, technology, and reporting
infrastructure, Ambassador Evans said the American government knew of the
sinking, where it happened, and why it occurred almost immediately.
On that same day, thousands of Russian Orthodox Church leaders gathered for
a historic conference at the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in Moscow. It was
the first such large-scale gathering since the demise of communism. But this
meeting went wholly undetected by American officials.
"Not one U.S. Embassy official knew it was happening. Not one officer was
there. No one talked about the reasons for it," Ambassador Evans said. "This
was a major milestone in the rebirth of the Russian Orthodox Church after
the fall of communism. And we missed it."
Ambassador Evans spoke to the delegates at the 105th Diocesan Annual
Assembly on Saturday, May 5, 2007, outlining the often missing relationship
between religion and diplomacy. With a lack of understanding of religion, he
said, diplomatic efforts can be hampered.
PRIESTS AND AMBASSADORS
In discussing the nexus between religion and diplomacy, Ambassador Evans
noted that both arenas use some of the same tools to communicate and
educate. Historically, with the existence of national Churches, they worked
hand-in-hand to further the political and social goals of a society. Often,
ambassadors would travel to new lands along with priests from their
homeland. However, with increasing secularization, he said diplomats have
lost the connection to priests.
"Today’s diplomats, and I emphatically include American diplomats, have
developed a tin ear for religious issues. Why is that? It is because here,
in our American political life, we draw such a solid line between Church and
state," he said.
As an example of the problems caused by that disconnect, he spoke of the
nation where he had his first foreign assignment: Iran. He said America was
caught off-guard with the change of leadership there in the 1970s, because
diplomats ignored religion.
"As diplomats overseas we should not be blind and deaf to developments," he
said. "In my 35 years in the Foreign Service, I found we were blind. We were
deaf, too. Not only to Islam, but even Christianity."
Without learning about the religious nature of any society, he said
diplomats could never gain a comprehensive understanding of their foreign
surroundings.
"All of the Churches and all of the religions have more influence today than
the U.N., OSCE, OPEC, you name it," he said. "I believe diplomats who are
blind and deaf and do not get to know the churchmen, or in some cases women,
in the countries of their assignment are hobbling themselves. They are
crippling their work."
SWAYING POLICY
Along with being an important source of knowledge for diplomats, religious
leaders also have their own ways to shape and influence public policy,
Ambassador Evans noted. He listed three tools that religious institutions
can use to influence diplomacy: visits by high-ranking church leaders,
letters to officials, and offering of prayers.
As an example of the power of visits, he highlighted the recent trip to
Turkey by His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians. When discussing letters, he spoke about one
written in 1965 from Polish Catholic Bishops to their German peers to seek
forgiveness and ask for forgiveness. He lastly spoke about the power of pray
in helping two sides come together.
"I do think offering prayers, even for one’s longtime enemies, can be a
positive thing," he said.
PERSONAL COURAGE
In 2005, Ambassador Evans broke from American policy and used the word
"Genocide" to describe the killing of Armenians in 1915. After speaking
openly about the Armenian Genocide, Ambassador Evans was forced to "retire"
from the Foreign Service and pulled from Armenia last September, a year
earlier than he was scheduled to leave his post.
He is now working on a book about the Armenian Genocide which traces his
personal growth from being someone with no knowledge of the Armenians to
someone who has studied and come to appreciate the culture.
"I’m hoping by tracing my own intellectual voyage to bring some other
individuals into the circle, people who don’t have Armenian names, to try to
bring them along to understanding why this issue is so important," he said.
He told delegates that he believed the Armenian and Turkish people could one
day find a way to live together. However, he believed the Turks must first
show contrition before there could be forgiveness.
"I do think at some future date, this progression through recognizing the
truth must include an apology or contrition, some definite act by Turks," he
continued. "Legally, a son is not guilty of the crimes of his father, or
much less his grandfather. But although it is a new state, it’s not the same
enterprise but a continuation of the same sovereignty. It does seem to me
that it is incumbent upon the Turks in some way, although their state may
not be held guilty of genocide, there needs to be an apology."
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), said the cause for justice and peace are well served
through individuals like Ambassador Evans who are willing to speak the
truth, even at great consequence.
"You are a partner for bringing reconciliation and peace among the people,
so we pray that the Lord will grant you many, many years so you can continue
your mission to be a wonderful leader of our country," he said.
Ambassador Evans was honored during the closing Assembly Banquet with the
"Friend of the Armenians" Award.
— 5/8/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Ambassador John Edwards, America’s former envoy to
Armenia, speaks to the delegates at the Diocesan Assembly in Nashua, New
Hampshire, on May 5, 2007.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Ambassador John Evans was pulled from his post in
Armenia and forced to resign the Foreign Service following his use of the
word "Genocide" to describe the killing of Armenians in 1915.