A. Lukashenko highly values the good interfaith relations established in Belarus.
14/11/20110 views
On November 14, Minsk /BelTA/. There are no interfaith conflicts in Belarus, and the country can serve as a model of good relations between different religions. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on November 14 at a meeting with Kurt Koch, Chairman of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.
"Belarus is a place that can be a model of relations between different religions. We have no problems on religious or national grounds. Life is peaceful and calm here," the President emphasized.
"I don't even remember a case, let alone any clashes on religious grounds, but even a dispute on certain issues. We have always resolved emerging issues with honor," the head of state noted.
Alexander Lukashenko sees the peaceful coexistence of the two confessions as the main achievement of Metropolitan Filaret and the leaders of the Catholic Church. "I highly value this," the President stressed. "I am glad that in recent years very friendly, one might say, fraternal relations have been established between the confessions."
Speaking about the international conference taking place these days in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he does not recall the Orthodox and Catholic Churches raising issues of Christian values at such a level. The head of state drew attention to the fact that in Belarus, "from the first days of its independence, Christian values have been placed at the forefront of moral values."
Alexander Lukashenko recalled that an agreement signed by the government and the Belarusian Orthodox Church has long existed in Belarus. A similar agreement is being developed with the Holy See. According to the President, the document is ready, it can be considered, and in the future, signed.
Addressing Cardinal Kurt Koch, Alexander Lukashenko noted that he expects a more active position from the Vatican in defending Belarus's interests in the West.
"We expect more from the Catholic Church and personally from Pope Benedict XVI in defending our interests, especially in the West," the President said. "We do not accept the policy that Europeans are currently pursuing towards Belarus. This is not normal," Alexander Lukashenko believes. "Therefore, we expect a more active position from the Catholic Church in this direction."
"In this bottomless, unjust world, the church is probably the most just world body. I would like the church to have its say in defence of justice," he added.
Alexander Lukashenko thanked the Roman Catholic Church for the support it provides to Belarus, including on the international stage. The President noted that he still remembers all the moments of his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, which made a strong impression on him. Alexander Lukashenko asked to convey his personal good wishes and those of the Belarusian people to the Pope, wishing him health, long life, and the activity he has maintained in recent years.
In turn, Cardinal Kurt Koch noted the importance of the peaceful coexistence of both churches in Belarus. "I would like to thank you for the atmosphere that prevails here between denominations. It is very noticeable," he said. "This is my first visit to Belarus, and it has been a great joy for me to see full churches, which indicates that not only religion is alive, but faith is alive in the people." The Cardinal specifically thanked the Belarusian leadership for the dialogue established between the state and denominations. "I will definitely convey everything I have seen to the Vatican," he said.
Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret considers the international conference "Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue: Christian Ethical Values as a Contribution to the Social Life of Europe" an event in both the religious and socio-cultural life not only in Belarus but also in Europe. "We see our task in strengthening contacts between the church and society and in supporting dialogue between representatives of different religious traditions," he said. -0-
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