Pope Benedict XVI and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I signed a joint declaration in Istanbul on Thursday, calling for deeper cooperation between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches and pledging renewed commitment to theological dialogue.
The document welcomed the recent resumption of work by the joint Commission for theological dialogue, which had convened in Belgrade after a years-long interruption. Both leaders said they would continue to support the Commission's efforts.
The declaration warned of growing secularization, relativism, and nihilism, particularly in Western societies, and urged Christians to protect European roots and traditions while remaining open to other cultures and faiths. It also called for safeguarding minority rights within the European Union.
On the subject of violence, the declaration stated plainly that killing innocent people in God's name is an offense against God and human dignity. The two leaders expressed particular concern for peace in the Middle East and called for honest interfaith dialogue to counter discrimination and conflict.
Following the signing ceremony, Patriarch Bartholomew accompanied the pope to his departure from the patriarchal compound, where bells rang out. Security forces detained five people who tried to stage a protest nearby during the earlier religious service.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.