During a recent conference on interreligious dialogue in Lisbon, Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, addressed a variety of pressing issues, including ecological conversion, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
By Joseph Tulloch – Lisbon
Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians, highlighted the importance of fighting climate change during a speech at the KAICIID interfaith forum in Lisbon this week. He emphasized the spiritual obligation to protect the environment and called for collaboration between political actors and religious communities to combat the current environmental crisis.
When asked about practical steps individuals can take to safeguard the environment, the Patriarch urged a more minimalist approach, advocating for respecting creation as a gift from God and avoiding excess.
Furthermore, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about the significance of the close ties between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, expressing his desire to celebrate the 1700-year anniversary of the Council of Nicaea with Pope Francis. He revealed plans for a joint Catholic-Orthodox commission to meet in Istanbul to finalize details for the celebration.
In addition to ecological concerns, the Patriarch addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, advocating for immediate ceasefires in both regions. He expressed deep concern for the children affected by these conflicts and called for a peaceful and just resolution based on international law.
Overall, Patriarch Bartholomew’s words in Lisbon shed light on the importance of ecological stewardship, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding efforts in the face of global challenges.
