VATICAN CITY, FEB. 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- The promotion of peaceful ways to resolve the Iraqi crisis has created amazing unity among Christians, says a Vatican representative.
Cardinal Roberto Tucci, a member of the Executive Council of Vatican Radio, attested to this reality over the radio and reminded his audience that all Catholic bishops’ conferences have supported John Paul II’s appeal against a military operation in Iraq.
This unity is also perceived with the Orthodox Church, as evidenced in the exchange of messages this month between the Pope and Archbishop Christodoulos, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, the cardinal added.
Another example of this common commitment to peace, said the cardinal, is the joint declaration signed Feb. 20 by the new leader of the Anglican Communion, Rowan Williams, and the president of the Catholic bishops’ conference of England and Wales, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor.
Moreover, the synod of the Anglican Church decided to join the Day of Prayer and Fasting called by John Paul II for Ash Wednesday.
Cardinal Tucci also mentioned the statement of support for a peaceful solution made by pastor Konrad Raiser, secretary-general of the World Council of Churches, as well as that of the National Council of Churches in the United States.
“There is truly an ecumenical consensus, which is gratifying,” said Cardinal Tucci. “Of course, it is only one aspect of ecumenism, but it is very important.”
“Anyway, the most important thing we can do now is to pray next Wednesday,” he added. “We must join this initiative of the Holy Father to fast and pray the rosary so that those who are responsible for international politics will really keep in mind this ecumenical voice before making their decisions.”
