MANILA, Philippines, JUNE 7, 2001 (ZENIT.org–FIDES).- Religions should not compete with one another, but should «walk hand in hand to build channels of fraternity,» said a Vatican official.
Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, Vatican secretary for relations with states, made his comment while in the Philippines as a papal representative to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and that country.
At a meeting Monday with religious leaders in Manila at the Apostolic Nunciature, Archbishop Tauran said religion should promote respect and understanding in society, and never be used to instigate hatred or violence.
He pointed out that the Pope has spent enormous energy and time in order to pull down walls that have separated peoples of various religions.
«Pope John Paul II has done this in his fervent desire to restore unity within Christianity, and to establish significant relations with non-Christian believers,» he said.
Archbishop Tauran said that in fostering harmony among peoples, religion also plays an important part in the promotion of justice: «These two elements, harmony among peoples and justice within society, clearly defined by the Pope, are principles that guide our relations with all religions.»
A believer of another religion is a person to be understood, «leaving to God the role of illuminating the conscience,» the archbishop explained.
During the meeting with Philippine religious leaders, Archbishop Tauran also spoke about the conflict in the country between the government and Muslim secessionist groups, such as Abu Sayyaf. Some observers say the conflict is based on religious motives, but the local Church contends social and economic motives are dominant.
