AMERICA/MEXICO - Leaders of 10 different religious communities gather in Mexico City Catholic cathedral to pray for world peace on Saint Francis’ day

Mexico City (Fides Service) - On October 4, the feast day of St Francis of Assisi leaders of ten different religious communities gathered in the Catholic cathedral of Mexico City to pray for peace in the world. The opening of the service was welcomed with the chiming church bells throughout the capital.
Some 2,000 people attended the 90 minute prayer service presided Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera Archbishop of Mexico City. Among the special guests the Dalai Lama. In his address the Tibetan leader underlined the important role of religions to promote peace and the good of humanity. He reproached those who let themselves be governed by emotion instead of reason exploiting religion to gain power or money: “they cause serious conflict using the name of God for them own obsession for destruction” the Dalai Lama said. However he also warned against the temptation to blame a whole religious group for evil committed by a few and he urged all religions to work to foster tolerance, forgiveness and universal brotherhood.
The religious leaders present included: Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, Buddhist Tibetan leader; Sheija Amina Teslima Al-Yerraji, spiritual guide of the Sufi Muslim community; Chakarratani Vicky Gurza of the Buddhist community in Mexico; Greek Orthodox Athenagoras Pérez; Hindu community in Mexico Dahr Dimri; Anglican Bishop Carlos Touché Porter, primate del Mexico; Pastor Francisco Limón Cervantes of the national Presbyterian Church; Pastor Jaziel López of the Lutheran Church in Mexico. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2004; Righe 19; Parole 265)