Head of Phanar warns against new ecumenism around traditionalistic values
Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: 2023cecassembly
On June 18, 2023, at the Assembly of European Churches in Tallinn, Patriarch Bartholomew announced that modern Europe is no longer Christian, the Assembly website reports.
“Needless to say, today, we are living in a very different Europe, one in which the landscape of religious affiliation has changed. As Christian churches, we can no longer take for granted that Europeans will identify with national churches or, indeed, with any particular form of belief..”
At the same time, the head of the Phanar said that today "there are some who call for a ‘new ecumenism’ – namely, a unity of Christian churches around what are labelled as ‘traditionalistic values.’"
According to him, “This form of ecumenism inevitably creates strange alliances among Christian churches. Those churches who were once opposed to any type of ecumenical conversation are now willing to participate in this so-called ‘new 5 ecumenism’ that champions traditionalistic values.”
He cited the United States as an example, where "some American evangelical Christians, who had previously considered Catholic and Orthodox Christians as pagans worshipping idols, now appear willing to work with certain Catholic and Orthodox Christians in order to support these values."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Patriarch Bartholomew, today's ecumenical dialogue is focused on Islam and Judaism.
Read also
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.