Opinions & Interviews

Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz: Interchurch relations in Belarus are constructive

MINSK, 21 March (BelTA) – Belarus has managed to preserve constructive relations between religions, Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz told a press conference on 21 March, BelTA has learnt.

“The churches enjoy constructive working relations. We respect and help each other. We also cooperate in a number of joint projects, which focus, in particular, on charity, anti-drug and anti-AIDS efforts,” the Archbishop noted.

Many joint conferences are held, too. “For example in 2007 we chose the dialogue between Christianity and Islam as the major topic. The 2009 conference focused on relations between Christianity and Judaism. In 2011 we organized a forum titled as “The dialogue between Orthodoxy and Catholicism: Christian ethnic values as contribution to European social life.” In November 2013 we are having another meeting that will be dedicated to finding the answers to the challenges of our time,” Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz said.

He also noted that in June 2014 Minsk will play host to the European Catholic and Orthodox forum. The relevant decision was made at the 3rd Catholic and Orthodox forum “Economic crisis and poverty: challenges for Europe” that took place in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2012. The forum is organized by the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe together with the European Orthodox churches and is held biyearly on a rotational basis in the countries with either the Catholic or the Orthodox majority. Participating in these events is the equal number of representatives from both sides (about twenty bishops, priests and experts from each side).

“The forum will focus on what it means to be a Christian these days. This event is considered to be a kind of ecumenical council,” Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz underscored.

Commenting on the development of charity movement in Belarus Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz said: “We will continue the effort, particularly in the areas which the Pope will focus on. It is evident from the Pope’s first speeches that we should help people in need. We should not be afraid of showing compassion. The Primate of Italy has given a new impetus to the charity movement. We would like to help people not only materially but also spiritually.”

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