• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Thursday, September 28, 2023
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Orthodox Times (en)
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Orthodox Times (en)
No Result
View All Result

Archbishop Nikitas at an Interfaith Programme Symposium in Austria

Oct 30, 2019 | 18:27
in Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Archbishop Nikitas at an Interfaith Programme Symposium in Austria

Photo credit: Archdiocese of Thyateira

Today, 30 October 2019, Archbishop Nikitas was present and addressed an interfaith programme in Vienna, Austria. The symposium entitled “The Power of Words: The Role of Religion, Media and Policy in Countering Hate Speech” was sponsored by KAICIID Dialogue Centre.

Below is a key note of the presentation of the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.

“Hate Speech in its various forms has been well-documented over the decades by scholars and activists who were interested in combating this form of violence. The debates about the hate speech took a more acute dimension in contemporary Europe as we witness a shift in the manner hate speech operates.

This discursive shift can be understood as part of the socio-political changes related to the surge in the right-wing populism in many countries around the world. The hate speech is no longer only about race, but incorporates other characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, language, culture, and politics to name a few. The new forms of hate speech, as often reproduced in the media and political discourse, allude to how various ethnic, religious, cultural or linguistic groups transcend the norms and values of the societies where they live. It is not random that various ethnic, cultural and religious entities (such as the Roma, the Jews, the Muslims, the refugees) have become scapegoats in the right-wing narratives to account for the various social problems, such as lack of jobs, economic decline, social instability or loss of national autonomy and traditions.

While hate speech has become more subtle and sophisticated in contemporary discourses, the hostility and intolerance towards ‘the other’ are not on the decline. We witness ongoing camp evictions and deportation of the Roma migrants across Europe, continuous scapegoating of immigrants, refugees and Muslims around the world. Hate speech is an extreme form of violence, because not only words can turn into action, but they also shape how we think and how we see the world. Ultimately, hate speech is dangerous because it may lead to the normalization of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and various forms of religious intolerance.

The challenge is – what does a religious leader do to change the tide and build bridges between faith groups and communities.

1. Language as a tool for hate speech

Words are powerful tools. They express what lies in our minds and our conscience. They are learned expressions – most of which we adopt and incorporate into our speech patterns. Some come from our families, some from our schools, other from our community, and certainly some come from faith and religious commutes and even the leaders. It is imperative that religious leaders help promote “healthy” language patterns and style. Vocabularies need to change. One of the Saints of the Orthodox Church reminds us that babies learn many things from adults, including languages, expressions, discrimination, and even hate. Religious leaders cannot be the ones to promote and validate hate speech, crimes, violence, abuse and much more. It is up to the religious leaders to set boundaries of language appropriateness

2. Sin

Speaking from a Christian understanding, we can only see hate speech as a horrible sin. It a violent attack upon “the living icon and image of God”. To hate is evil and in clear contradiction with all true faiths. After all, we speak of harmony, cooperation, tolerance, acceptance and the like. Hate speech has no place here. To hate another is to hate God.

3. Deconstruction and questioning

Faith leaders should encourage people to engage in dialogue – to look at the other, question and try understanding the other and his/her identity. Derogatory names are not acceptable. This is in clear opposition to the rightwing narratives and language that are on the rise in Europe and other places. Ignorance promotes the fear, distrust, and even hate of the other. Religious leaders need to stand together, make public statements together, and mush more. Schools need to teach the true values and essence of religion and faith traditions. It may be a good thing to visit schools and talk to young people. After all, our goal is true friendship…

We, as the leaders, need to visit each other in the “sacred space” of the other. Perhaps, we need to form a new religious holiday and bring all faiths together and make it an annual celebration – a global celebration for humanity and truth.

Because of time constraints, I will end here. Thank you.”

Source: Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain

Photo credit: Archdiocese of Thyateira
Tags: Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great BritainArchdiocese of Thyateira and Great BritainAustriaKAICIID Dialogue Centre

Follow OrthodoxTimes.com on Google News and learn all the news about Orthodoxy in Greece and worldwide.

All the latest developments in the Orthodox world, society and humankind, at the moment they happen, at OrthodoxTimes.com


Related Posts

Polyarchieratic Co-liturgy was celebrated in Sydney at completion of 12th Clergy-Laity Congress
Archdiocese of Australia

Polyarchieratic Co-liturgy was celebrated in Sydney at completion of 12th Clergy-Laity Congress

September 27, 2023
Archbishop of Thyateira from Australia: I am here because I love your Archbishop, since we are both on the same ship
Archdiocese of Australia

Archbishop of Thyateira from Australia: I am here because I love your Archbishop, since we are both on the same ship

September 25, 2023
“We are ready for the future!” – 12th Clergy Laity Assembly of Archdiocese of Australia began
Archdiocese of Australia

“We are ready for the future!” – 12th Clergy Laity Assembly of Archdiocese of Australia began

September 25, 2023
Archbishops of Australia and Thyateira, Greek Metropolitans honoured the feast day of Panagia Myrtidiotissa (PHOTOS)
Archdiocese of Australia

Archbishops of Australia and Thyateira, Greek Metropolitans honoured the feast day of Panagia Myrtidiotissa (PHOTOS)

September 25, 2023
The Archbishop of Thyateira arrived in Sydney
Archdiocese of Australia

The Archbishop of Thyateira arrived in Sydney

September 22, 2023
Archbishop of Thyateira at the Community of the Archangel Michael and St Piran in Cornwall
Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Archbishop of Thyateira at the Community of the Archangel Michael and St Piran in Cornwall

September 19, 2023
Load More
Next Post
Poland repeats herself in her reaction to the recognition of the Church of Ukraine by the Church of Greece

Poland repeats herself in her reaction to the recognition of the Church of Ukraine by the Church of Greece

Latest News

First meeting of Archdiocesan District Council led by Archbishop of America

First meeting of Archdiocesan District Council led by Archbishop of America

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 18:23
0

On the evening of Tuesday, September 27, the Archdiocesan District Council, led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, met for...

Metropolis of Aksum: The spiritual work of the Church continues in Eritrea

Metropolis of Aksum: The spiritual work of the Church continues in Eritrea

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 17:06
0

The important spiritual work of the Orthodox Church continues in the country of Eritrea with the Grace of God...

Patriarch of Jerusalem: The Cross is the sacrificial power of God (VIDEO)

Patriarch of Jerusalem: The Cross is the sacrificial power of God (VIDEO)

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 14:21
0

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated by the Patriarchate...

Archdiocese of Australia regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

Archdiocese of Australia regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 13:00
0

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is committed to working together to uphold the dignity and sacredness of every...

Archbishop of Roman to church communicators: You are responsible for how the Church is perceived today

Archbishop of Roman to church communicators: You are responsible for how the Church is perceived today

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 08:55
0

Last week, media correspondents of the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău gathered at the Deanery of Bacau to discuss...

Holy Cross Church in Macon, Georgia hosted its 2nd Annual Pan-Orthodox Cross Dive

Holy Cross Church in Macon, Georgia hosted its 2nd Annual Pan-Orthodox Cross Dive

by NewsRoom
Sep 28, 2023 | 08:37
0

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Macon, Georgia hosted their 2nd Annual Pan-Orthodox Cross...

Newsletter

Sign up for our weekly newsletter



Quick Links

  • Orthodoxy
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • History
  • Press Releases

Get Social

About Us

Advertise

Contact

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com
digital world media

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Greek Version

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT