Albanian Archbishop: Christians must lead by example in pursuing peace
The Albanian primate said that it is not enough for religious communities to call for peace – they must be the first to demonstrate respect, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
On July 21, 2026, Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania addressed the European Regional Forum Religions for Peace Europe, calling on representatives of religious communities to set an example of peaceful coexistence for society.
"It is not enough simply to call for peace. We are the first who are called to set an example of peace," said the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to him, the way believers treat those who are different from them should bear witness to the fact that faith has the power to free people from fear and prejudice.
Archbishop Joan described humanity's search for God as a profound spiritual need.
"The search for God must never become a cause of conflict, hatred, or violence. God's name must never be used to humiliate another person," he stressed, adding that faith cannot be turned into a tool of exclusion, fanaticism, or domination over others.
The Archbishop also emphasized that genuine interreligious dialogue does not require believers to abandon their convictions or ignore theological differences.
"We can disagree without hating one another. We can bear witness to our faith without insulting others. We can cooperate without blending our traditions," he said.
According to Archbishop Joan, peace is far more than the absence of armed conflict.
"It is a daily act of justice, mutual trust, and reconciliation," he said. He urged religious communities to defend the dignity of every human being, support those who suffer, and reject attempts to hold an entire nation or religious community responsible for the actions of a single individual.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Primates of the Constantinople and Albanian Churches recently made a pilgrimage together.
