In a new document, Jesuits involved in the Middle East call on the international community to take on a “sense of responsibility” for conflicts in the region and to abandon “the Machiavellian behaviors, passive attitudes and ideological battles” that for too long have stood in the way of lasting peace. The text, “Middle East: Searching for the Word,” which was produced at the request of the superior general of the Society of Jesus, Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., highlights the plight of Christians, who are often persecuted because of their perceived identification with the West and existing regimes or because their faith. The authors note that while the Arab Spring of 2011 failed to translate into successful political and economic programs, Christians and all Arabs should see signs of hope in the widespread desire for a system of government “based on the values of modernity, democracy, human rights, social justice, and cultural openness.” In countries that lack democratic traditions, they say, there must be “education for citizenship,” which “requires genuine familiarity with human rights” and “respects cultural and religious plurality.”
Middle East Modernity
Show Comments ()
1
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Carlos Orozco
8 years 9 months ago
Redraft, redraft, redraft.
"Modernity, democracy, human rights, social justice and cultural openness..." have meant little to the contemporary Christian martyrs in the ME. Their blood has been spilled for Jesus Christ, not for those -many times- political and insignificant little words.
Liberal democracy has peaked and is now in the process of collapsing, we should not identify civilization and salvation with it. No need for unhealthy attachments.
The latest from america
In this interview, Cardinal Gracias speaks about the election of Leo XIV, his membership in Pope Francis’ council of cardinal advisors and why he considers Francis a saint.
A Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension, by Father Terrance Klein
Pope Leo XIV's offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine was motivated by a conviction that the two sides must start negotiating and stop the killing, the Vatican secretary of state said.
Rev. Paul Nicholson, S.J., begins his homily for the Ascension with a striking image from Medieval art: Jesus’ feet dangling in the air, his body swallowed by clouds.