Synod discusses human rights, religious freedom in opening session

Vatican City, Oct 11, 2010 / 12:49 pm

Education and Christian witness will promote respect for human rights, religious freedom and just recognition of citizenship for all people, said leaders of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. The remarks were made this morning during the opening working session of the 14-day meeting at the Vatican.

“Promotion of the family and the defense of life need to be central in our Church's teaching and mission programs,” said Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria, Egypt, the relator general of the synod. “Education is a privileged part of our activity and a major investment.”

Reading from the "Relatio ante disceptationem" (report before the discussion), Patriarch Naguib explained the current situation of Christians in the Middle East, describing the importance of remembering the history of Christianity.

“Our Churches are called to keep alive the memory of the Church's beginnings, to strengthen the faith of their members and to renew in them the spirit of the Gospel,” he said. “Through the presentation of the social doctrine of the Church, our communities offer a valuable contribution to building society.”

The opening document also warned of an increase in attacks on Christians as the Middle East is more and more affected by modernization, globalization and secularization.

Explaining that all Middle East states affirm the equality of individuals, sometimes the freedom of worship does not include the freedom of conscience. This is most prevalent in countries or regions where Islam is the state religion and laws are legislated by the “Sharia,” the prelate continued.

“Education towards greater justice and equality under the law is a precious contribution to the cultural progress of a country,” Patriarch Naguib said. “Christians deserve full recognition, passing from being merely tolerated to a just and equal status which is based on common citizenship, religious freedom and human rights.”

Eastern Catholic Churches face several unique challenges in a region that is frequently witness to conflict and war. Citing the plight of Christians in Iraq and the need for unity and collaboration in Egypt and Lebanon, Patriarch Naguib stated. “The promotion of human rights requires peace, justice and stability.”