The first day of the 4th International Conference of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Human Rights, Democracy, and Religious Freedom continues in the Old Parliament building.
In his speech, George X. Rokas introduced the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Vilnius, Gidaras Grusas, President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE).
For his part, the Archbishop of Vilnius expressed his joy at being present at the Conference of Archons. “The rise of authoritarian regimes threatens religious freedom,” he said, commenting on the link between democracy and religious freedom.
“It is important to remember that the mission of the Church has an impact on social and political life. In authoritarian regimes where there is persecution and oppression, the Church must be the hope for justice. It must be at the side of those who are persecuted, those who are discriminated against, and speak for them,” the Archbishop of Vilnius said.
Referring to Russia and its tactics, the Archbishop emphasized that “Russia will continue to push until someone is found to stand up to it.
Pope Francis has said many times that you cannot justify violence in the name of religion. You cannot start a war in the name of religion, look at what happened between Russia and Ukraine, Archbishop Guidara commented.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
