Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Istanbul (Fides Service) - “To meet the challenges of the present day to bear witness faith to our Christian faith and hope, the international Fraternity of Friars Minor in stanbul strives to build relations of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue with men and women of good will and believers of other religions and Churches . We know the journey is long with obstacles at every step but we are certain that dialogue is the path to brotherhood and peace, in keeping with the will of the God of life”, Friar Ruben Tierrablanca Ofm, Superior of the Friars Minor Fraternity in Istanbul, told Fides. In February the Fraternity marks the first year of its activity.
The community is composed of four Friars from four different countries, France, Congo, Italy and Mexico. The friars have become part of local society bringing with them a wealth of experience in ecumenism and interreligious activity. The friars studied Turkish to facilitate contact with the local people who are open and hospitable. The Fraternity has become a reference point for ecumenical prayer held twice a month at the Friar’s church .
In the report sent to Fides Friar Ruben said that in a country with a population of 75 million mostly Muslims, Christians are only 1%, but they are a lively and dynamic minority which organises meetings, celebrations, cultural and spiritual events. The Superior speaks of excellent relations with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and with the Armenian Church and other Christians confessions as well as with the local Jewish and Muslim communities. Difficulties encountered include a problem of juridical nature. In Turkey Catholic institutions have no juridical status.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2005 righe 22 parole 235).
