Solidarity is a word used in many
areas and disciplines, trying to bridge different people and ideas in order to
find solutions to various issues. Solidarity, within Christianity, relates not
only within a certain denomination, but maintains a pan-Christian attitude.
Ecumenical relations and dialogues are a characteristic and reality that exists
since the beginning of the 20th century, also known as the ‘Age of
Ecumenism,’ where the Christian churches wished to further understand each
other. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in a talk he gave at the Oxford Union
(4 November 2015), among other things, spoke about the crisis of solidarity. He
explained that:
‘We are nowadays facing a
worldwide economic crisis and its social consequences are evident on a global
scale. Ultimately, we regard this crisis as a “crisis of solidarity.” Yet, our
Church has historically sought to build bridges of interfaith dialogue,
ecological awareness and the culture of solidarity between diverse faiths and cultures,
as well as between humanity and the natural environment. We are convinced that
the future of humanity is related to the establishment of the culture of
solidarity.
Solidarity is a term that
contains the very essence of social ethos, embracing the pillars of freedom,
generosity and justice. In includes the struggle for a just society and the
respect for human dignity beyond any division or discrimination of social
class, economic status or ethnic origin. We are convinced that the future of
humanity is closely related to a culture of solidarity . . .’[1]
[1]
Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch, ‘Creation Care and Ecological Justice:
Reflections,’ Koinonia, New Series
No.66, Allsaintstide 2015, p.43.
No comments:
Post a Comment