Religions in Assisi in Search of Peace

Declarations in Favor of Peace

The day began at 8:40 a.m., when the "peace train" pulled out of the small Vatican station. Made up of several railroad cars well-equipped  for comfort, the train was escorted by two helicopters for protection.  A two-hour journey brought the pope and other religious leaders to Assisi. Security was high-about one thousand policemen stood on the alert. 

The religious leaders gathered in an ancient  piazza covered by an enormous marquee. Inside, a large, red V-shaped  stage accommodated the religious representatives, with the pope's seat placed in the center. At the side of the stage was an olive tree-a symbol of peace.  In front of the stage was an audience  of more than 2,000 carefully selected guests. The front row was occupied by some of Italy's highest-ranking officials. Great choirs sang hymns to peace between speeches. In other parts of the town, thousands of people, mainly youngsters, displayed antiwar slogans in several languages and sang sons about peace. Many bore olive branches.  

After taking his seat on the stage, the pope welcomed the members of the various religious delegations. Then, after the singing in Latin of a hymn based on Isaiah 2:4-which prophesies a time when "nation will not lift up sword against nation"-a dozen delegates each in distinctive religious garb, made solemn declarations in favor of peace.  The following are some examples.  
"In this historical moment humanity needs to see gestures of peace and to hear words of hope." -Cardinal Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.  

God is not a God  of war and conflict but a God of peace." -Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeus I.

"Religious differences should not lead [people] to ignore, or even hate, those who are different." -Dr. Setri Nyomi, World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

"Justice and fraternal love are the two indispensable pillars of  true peace among people." -Chief Amadou Gasseto, representative of tradition African religions.  

"Only peace is holy, war is never holy!" -Andrea Riccardi, Catholic Church.

Note: These people are nothing but a bunch two-faced phonies. They want to make it look like they are for peace, and not hating anyone, but all-in-all, No one really means this and therefore is the reason why there has been no peace in this whole universe; because they cannot get along with any one nation or country.  The proof is in all the wars that have been happening all over the world. 

Some delegates acknowledged that religions  bear a serious responsibility for fomenting intolerance and war.  The representative of the Lutheran World Federation  stated that the world had been "shaken  by the ferocity of hatreds fanned by religious fundamentalism."  A representative of Judaism said:  "Religions have served to foment scores of horrendous and bloody wars."  A Hindu delegate declared: "History repeatedly throws up instances where self-proclaimed saviors of religion have put religion in the service of power and divisive forces." 

After solemn condemnations of terrorism and war, the delegations retired, each to their own assigned place, to pray for their own divinities for peace. 

Note: Just a bunch of pretty words to make them look good and important, but  Not something God would approve of.

Next time: Religions in Assisi in Search of Peace -Prayers for Peace

From the Awake! magazine, 2002