Archbishop Elpidophoros of America warmly welcomed Senior Rabbi Arthur Schneier to the Archdiocese, celebrating their longstanding friendship and shared commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and peace.
Reflecting on their relationship, Archbishop Elpidophoros recalled his early days as a young deacon at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he served under Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a close friend and collaborator of Rabbi Schneier. He highlighted the Rabbi’s impactful leadership of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering religious freedom and mutual respect across faiths.
A notable achievement under Rabbi Schneier’s guidance was the Bosphorus Declaration, a historic document affirming that “a crime committed in the name of religion is a crime against religion.” Signed in Constantinople at the conclusion of the Conference on Peace and Tolerance, the declaration underscores the shared values of peace and tolerance across religious communities.
Archbishop Elpidophoros also praised Rabbi Schneier’s dedicated service to humanity through his various roles at the United Nations, emphasizing the Rabbi’s tireless advocacy for unity and compassion.
“It is with great joy and appreciation that I received the Rabbi at the Archdiocese yesterday,” remarked Archbishop Elpidophoros. “I look forward to our continued partnership in advancing our shared mission of promoting peace and understanding.”
