The “Peace and Harmony” awareness campaign has concluded in Albania, bringing together religious communities in an initiative aimed at turning the principles of peaceful coexistence and cooperation into everyday practice.
The pilot project was funded by the European Union through the STRIVE II programme and supported religious and community organizations in Albania in promoting social dialogue and cooperation.
Archbishop Ioannis of Albania sent a message to the campaign’s final session, emphasizing that genuine interreligious dialogue does not require religious communities to overlook their differences.
“We belong to religious traditions with real and significant differences. Sincere dialogue neither conceals nor erases these differences,” the Archbishop said. “Together, however, we can bear witness that human life is sacred, that hatred cannot be blessed and that religion must never be used as a pretext for violence, contempt or fanaticism.”
Archbishop Ioannis also stressed the importance of religious education and the contribution of faith communities to the moral formation of society, while fully respecting freedom of conscience.
“A society is not protected only by laws and security measures. It is also protected by forming people who understand why they must respect the life, freedom and dignity of others,” he said.
Referring to social media, the Archbishop warned that platforms promising greater connection can often contribute to loneliness and can be used to spread hatred, manipulation and extremism. At the same time, he said, the same means of communication can be used to promote “truth, hope, respect and peace.”
“Peace and harmony do not require us all to become the same,” Archbishop Ioannis concluded. “They require us, while remaining faithful to our convictions, to speak honestly, listen respectfully and work together for the common good.”
By Fr. Ilias Makos
