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Abp. John Calls Religious Leaders to Model Peace
Abp. John urged religious leaders to make peaceful coexistence a lived example rather than merely an ideal.
TIRANA, ALBANIA — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, Abp. John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania urged religious leaders to demonstrate peaceful coexistence through their own actions as he addressed the European Regional Forum of Religions for Peace Europe on July 21, emphasizing that authentic faith should foster reconciliation rather than division.
Speaking before representatives of various religious communities, the primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church said that religious leaders must do more than speak about peace. "It is not enough simply to call for peace. We are the first who are called to set an example of peace," he said, adding that the way believers treat those who hold different beliefs should demonstrate faith's ability to overcome fear and prejudice.
Abp. John also reflected on humanity's enduring search for God, describing it as one of the deepest needs of the human person. He warned that religion must never become a source of hatred or violence, insisting that God's name should never be invoked to humiliate others or justify exclusion, fanaticism, or domination.
Addressing the role of interreligious dialogue, the Archbishop stressed that cooperation among faith communities does not require compromising doctrinal convictions or minimizing theological differences. Instead, he said, believers can remain faithful to their own traditions while treating others with respect. "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.
Concluding his address, Abp. John described peace as more than the absence of war, calling it a daily practice rooted in justice, trust, and reconciliation. He encouraged religious communities to uphold the dignity of every person, support those who suffer, and reject efforts to blame entire nations or religious groups for the actions of individuals.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John marked his first year of leadership in Albania.
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