FREIBURG, Germany, NOV. 8, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The president of the German Bishops’ Conference affirmed over the weekend the need for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, and for Christians all over the world to be brave in the face of challenges.
Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg im Breisgau said this Saturday upon meeting in Freiburg with the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job.
The German episcopal conference reported that Archbishop Job has been in Germany since last Thursday.
In the meeting, Archbishop Zollitsch reiterated his solidarity with the Christians of the African country, who are faced with growing social tensions.
“A peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims is needed,” he said. “Nigeria is a nation that is for dialogue between all social and religious groups.”
“Everyday life is always at risk,” he added. “Therefore, I encourage the Catholic Church in Nigeria to look brave in spite of the many challenges ahead. My prayer is for the African continent and for Nigeria.”
Other topics address during the meeting included the protection of the environment, and social ethical issues.
“After my visit last year in Nigeria, I was very happy about the return visit and the mutual exchange,” said Archbishop Zollitsch.
Archbishop Zollitsch had visited Nigeria in August 2009, and in addition to meeting with Archbishop Job and other bishops, the German prelate also met with Islamic religious leaders, politicians and representatives of civil society.
“The Church of Nigeria and the Church in Germany can learn from each other,” said Archbishop Zollitsch. “Our meeting is an expression of mutual appreciation and a display of solidarity with Christians all over the world who are exposed […] to persecution and exclusion.”
