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Violence, Religion and Globalization

Kotzias, Nikos
June 4, 2015

Source: (2007) In Emmanuel Clapsis, ed., Violence and Christian Spirituality An Ecumenical Conversation. Geneva, Switzerland: World Council of Churches. Pp. 14-22.

“Every church reserves the right to try to influence society in principle and in practice, without using any form of coercion, only influence by persuasion. The church should not act as the agent of God on earth, but as an organizing body that can bring people closer to any God they believe in. The church should champion multiculturalism, turning its back on any logic of religious exclusion or rejection of opposing faiths by fanaticism. It should remain stable on the dialogue’s benefits and above all work on projects that are against any form of marginalization and any kind of coercive behaviour, violence or mistreatment of the other. Any religion that is tolerant towards other religious faiths and other ideologies, that respects diversity, and that organizes scientific gatherings like this one, deserves to be widely recognized and to receive the support of its followers, as well as greater respect and appreciation by secular forces.” (Abstract)

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