Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 40 ] — INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FOR PEACE — We need to create many platforms from which to combat the killing of innocent people, to fight all threats against peace- ful coexistence in the world, to protect young people from destructive thoughts of extremismand fanaticism, which pave the way for further terrorist attacks and threats to worldwide security.Therefore, there is an urgent need for religious, scien- tific and cultural education, as well as efficient communication to implement a worldwide strategy to eradicate the violence that generates genocides and other mass killings. We need innovative solutions to eradicate violence and extremism for the first time in our history, and the Interna- tional Dialogue Centre together with theUnitedNations are at the forefront of that change, with their hundreds of members from various parts of the world. These actors work to sup- port our shared values, coordinate efforts, and address the challenges facingArab societies at national, regional and inter- national levels in order to achieve global development goals. To close, I would like to say that we, as religious and polit- ical leaders, are expected to lead our communities forward in the right way, helping others to overcome challenges and threats andmove towards a better world and a brighter future. Thank you. Blessings, once again and thanks to the KAI- CIID and all the organizers and may God protect you and help you succeed in your endeavour. n the name of God who loved humanity before creating it and who allowed people to worship their gods in the way that they wished. I’d like to thank God. I would also like to thank the organizers of this very important conference and I wish that it may be fruitful for the whole world. And please allow me to convey the greetings of holy Pope Tawadros II. With regard to peace: Once there was a time when the Jews did not get along with each other, especially when facing opposition either as a nation or within their own tribe. However, when Jesus Christ was born, the angels came down fromheaven to tell the people to seek peace. The angels meant that all humankind should live in peace with one another, not just one particular ethnic or religious group. Jesus said that respect is due to those who have found peace. He spoke about founding a community of peace, and prayed for love even on behalf of those who defamed or attacked him. He also said: “Whenever you enter a house, greet everyone with the word ‘salaam’ — greet them with the word ‘peace’.” Jesus called regularly for peace and his main principle was to establish peaceful coexistence in all parts of the world. In his last days, Jesus told his disciples: “I leave my peace with you. Please spread and disseminate it. Carry it to each village and town you go to.” Jesus also spoke about the respect for the Other. We all know the story of the Good Samaritan, who tended to some- one whom he had never met before. Jesus said that it’s not important which religion a person belongs to; however it is important that each person is treated as a neighbour and friend. In another story, Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well. Although she was not one of his followers, she asked for I His Grace Bishop Antonious Marcos His Grace Bishop Antonious Marcos Coptic Orthodox Bishop for the Diocese of Shoubra His Grace Bishop Antonious Marcos began his first mission serving in a small village near Cairo. In 1966 he was blessed by His Holiness Pope Kyrellos VI and, for the next ten years, he served the people of Ethiopia. In early 1976 His Holiness Pope Shenouda III blessed and sent the monk, now Father Antonious, to start full time missionary work in Kenya. On the Feast of Pentecost, June 12 1976, he was ordained Bishop Antonious Marcos, Bishop of African Affairs. He has established over 35 churches in 10 African countries. Speech given on behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria