Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ankara (Fides Service) - Turkey is a land of ancient traditions and deep religious roots for, Christians Muslims and Jews and pilgrims of all three faiths are most welcome to discover the country’s immense spiritual and cultural riches, said Turkish religious leaders who have organised 12 to 14 May, Days of Faith Tourism to promote and encourage spiritual tourism in Turkey.
The event will include a Convention at the Auditorium of Anatolia attended by prominent Christians, Muslims and Jews, civil authorities, Turkey’s minister of culture and tourism Atilla Koç, foreign minister Abdullah Gül and Ali Bardakçıoğlu head of the national office for religious affairs.
There will be a commemoration of Italian missionary priest Rev. Andrea Santoro, shot dead on 5 February in Trebisonda. Both religious and civil leaders are certain the sacrifice of Rev Santoro will bear fruits of reconciliation and peace in Turkey and they urge tourists and pilgrims from east and west not to be discouraged by that sad episode but come and experience the spirit of dialogue which was so important in the pastoral ministry of don Santoro.
Religious leaders who promised to take part in the Days include Armenian Patriarch Mesrob II, Chief Rabbi Isak Haleva, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew and the vicar of the Syrian-Catholic patriarchate Yusuf Sağ, as well as Muslim leaders. Believers of all three religions are expected to take part in an event which intends to promote inter-religious and intercultural harmony in Turkey. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/5/2006 righe 25 parole 254)
