JERUSALEM, Apr. 16, 01 (CWNews.com) - The Latin-rite patriarch of Jerusalem called for religious unity in the Holy Land and an end to violent protests during his Easter homily.
Patriarch Michel Sabbah was speaking in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre amidst heavy security and scarce numbers of pilgrims as Jerusalem and the West Bank continued under six-and-a-half months of a violent Palestinian uprising. "Many put the emphasis today on the right of the stronger, and on the force which can impose itself, through sieges, bombardments, or killings," he said.
"The resurrection today is an appeal to us believers, and different religions, for more dialogue, for more respect and mutual knowledge... so that faith may become a factor which brings us all together nearer to justice and peace," he said. "The resurrection is, for us... the struggle of our two peoples in this land, a reminder of the dignity of every human being, of the image of God in all of us, the true basis of all rights and duties...," Patriarch Sabbah said. "Military force or any other kind of physical force will never cancel these rights, neither can it cancel the image of God.
Israel has imposed closures on Palestinian-ruled areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for what it calls security measures as the past week, which incorporated both Easter and Passover for Christians and Jews, came to an end. Palestinians say it is collective punishment. Patriarch Sabbah said: "It is time for the political leaders to listen and to obey the words of the Psalmist: 'You, earthly rulers, learn your lesson. In fear be submissive to God... lest he be angry and your way come to nothing' (Psalms 2:10)."
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
16. april 2001