Religious freedom in Middle East

Vatican spokesman issues call for full religious freedom in Middle East

November 01, 2010

In an October 30 editorial, Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Holy See Press Office, issued a call for full religious freedom in the Middle East. The recent Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, he said, urged Middle Eastern government to permit Christians to "enjoy all the rights of citizenship, freedom of conscience and religion, freedom in teaching and education and use of the media," because "they are original and authentic citizens, loyal to their homeland and faithful to all their national obligations."
"We condemn violence and terrorism, of whatever origin, and any religious extremism," he added. "We condemn all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-Christianity, and Islamophobia, and call on religions to assume their responsibility in promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations in our region and throughout the world."
Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Fr. Lombardi editorial: A Synod of service for all (Vatican Radio)