Phanar announces start of dialogue with Judaism and Islam

The head of Phanar at a dinner with New York City religious leaders. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com/GOA/D. Panagos

The Church of Constantinople has opened an official dialogue with Judaism and Islam. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople said this at a dinner with representatives of various religious movements, held on November 1, 2021 in New York, USA.

In his speech, the text of which was published by the ΦΩΣ ΦΑΝΑΡΙΟΥ resource, the head of Phanar emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in the modern world, calling New York “the image of the whole planet”, the diversity of cultures and religions of which provides ample opportunities "to unite in order to build a world through dialogue”.

Noting that “the Ecumenical Patriarchate, true to its mission, has always been a pioneer in the study of inter-Christian and inter-confessional dialogue,” Patriarch Bartholomew said that “the Church of Constantinople, simultaneously with its leading participation in the ecumenical movement, also started an official dialogue with other religious traditions, particularly with two monotheistic religions, Judaism and Islam."

He also added that Phanar is trying "in accordance with our traditions of faith, to help build bridges that respect the beliefs of others, in a spirit of peace and solidarity," and wants to peg the Greek Orthodox church of St. Nicholas in New York, rebuilt after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as "a beacon of hope and a symbol of inter-Christian and inter-confessional communion and coexistence."

As reported by the UOJ, at a luncheon of New York religious leaders, the cardinal of the RCC called the head of Phanar an "icon".

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