MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE AT THE ARMENIAN CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA

19:00, 04 Mar 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Islamic Culture and
Relations Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran adopted a joint
statement upon the conclusion of the Sixth Session of theological
dialogue held at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon on March 3-4.

“We praise the Almighty God who once again granted to us the
opportunity to organize the Sixth Session of our theological dialogue
at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.

We chose for our common reflection an extremely important and timely
topic: Muslim-Christian Cooperation for Establishment of Just Peace in
the Middle East. We discussed this subject from different perspectives
by identifying its concrete challenges and implications today, in
light of our traditions, teachings and experiences.

As the core of our common teachings, we affirmed that:

a) peace is a divine gift, and that the violation of peace is a
sin against God; b) as God’s gift peace is just, comprehensive and
lasting; c) peace is the fruit of justice, and that justice and peace
are intimately interconnected; d) working for peace with justice is
the vocation of Christians and Muslims.

With this firm understanding, we emphasized:

1) The importance of greater collaboration between Muslims and
Christians in all parts of the world and particularly in the Middle
East, based on mutual understanding and respect.

2) The urgency of combating violence and extremism in all their forms
and expressions, as perceptions and practices that are against our
two religions.

As our meeting coincides with the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, we strongly condemn together with this Genocide all genocides
and atrocities of the past and the present, perpetrated by individuals,
groups or states. Such acts of violence are against the teachings of
our religions and are not justifiable under any circumstances.

We emphasize the importance of the plan of action, “The world against
extremism and violence” that was proposed by the President of the
Islamic Republic of Iran at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Our dialogue reminds us the pivotal importance of peaceful
co-habitation between Christians and Muslims and a closer collaboration
aimed at restoring peace with justice in the Middle East.”