Melkite Patriarch pleads for negotiations to end violence in Syria

September 04, 2012

"For Syria, reconciliation is the only anchor of salvation,” said Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregory III Laham, in an open letter calling for an international campaign to end the current civil warfare.

In emotional language, the Melkite Patriarch reported that “the language of violence has swept all other languages” in Syria. He warns that the bloodshed cannot resolve the nation’s conflict, which must eventually be settled through negotiations. He urges all Syrian Christians to pray and work for peace.

A call for reconciliation and negotiations “is the most difficult path,” the prelate admits; “But it is the only reasonable one, as it represents a guarantee for the future.” He says: "For the ministry of reconciliation, I am ready to give my life."

 

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Further information:

• Patriarch Gregory III Laham calls for "an international campaign for reconciliation in Syria" (Fides)
• Syrian rebel group pledges protection for Christians (CWN, 9/3)