Patriarch calls for more interfaith dialogue

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for more interfaith cooperation in an effort to build peace and normalcy in the Middle East.

The Patriarch made the statement on Monday at the second international conference on "Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East" held in Athens.

He warned that even if peace is achieved in the region, "the remaining problems will require time and a lot of hard work, as well as joint responsibility, synergy, and collaboration."

Bartholomew noted  that the wars in Middle East have "created large-scale destruction in the human, natural, cultural and religious environments," and interfaith collaboration is vital to handle the continuing religious crisis and heal peoples "emotional traumas”.

"Wherever people turn away from or interrupt dialogue," he said, "what takes over is rigid ideologies, totalitarian regimes, brutal demagoguery, and finally weapons - destruction and death." The ecumenical patriarch said the alternative was sincere dialogue in a loving spirit. "Sincere dialogue has the power to change the flow of history," Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said.