Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Christian minority and the Muslim majority in Turkey flourish in a spirit of respect, trust and solidarity, said Fr George Marovich, spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Turkey . “Christmas was celebrated with deep devotion by Catholics and Orthodox - said Fr Marovich. We received messages of goodwill, friendship and solidarity from various authorities and personalities including the President of Turkey. This was also a sign of the peaceful relations between the Christian and Muslim communities. Dialogue proceeds and the future is promising”.
The spokesman continues: “In Turkey there are many people of goodwill in all the different religious communities who work for progress and harmony and peace in the world. Of course the Church is still hampered by the fact that she has no juridical status, but this is so for all religious communities in Turkey, even Muslim confraternities. When the government faces the question it will certainly include everyone. I think in time this will happen and that we must just be patient and confident”.
In Turkey as all over the world Christians mark the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 14 - 21 January. “We have prayers at a different church every evening - Fr. George says- we start with prayers at the Christian Orthodox church and end the week at the church of the Armenian Patriarchate. This is a week of unity and brotherhood and openness to dialogue with our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters. We are hoping that in 2006 Pope Benedict XVI may visit Turkey. This would be a most important event for the Catholic community and for the whole nation”. (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2006 righe 25 parole 259)
