US Catholic, Orthodox bishops discuss Mideast persecution, pan-Orthodox council
June 07, 2016
The Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops in the United States met recently in New Hampshire.
In view of the upcoming pan-Orthodox council, participants expressed their hope “that unity among the local autocephalous Orthodox Churches will greatly benefit the quest for unity and communion between Catholics and Orthodox.”
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox bishops also lamented the persecution of Christian refugees, praised countries that have welcomed large numbers of migrants and refugees from the Middle East, and called for the eventual “safe return of those who were uprooted from their homes and forced into exile due to violence.”
The bishops added:
Recognizing that human efforts alone cannot fully ensure the end of violence and the promotion of peace in the world, we encourage all people of faith to entreat the Lord God, Who is not a God of disorder, but of Peace (1 Cor. 14:33), to fill with His joy and peace those who are afflicted, as we continue to trust in Him (Rom 15:13).
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops Convenes, Talks about Unity, Pastoral Issues, Refugees (USCCB)
- Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops Convenes (Orthodox Christian Network)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
