Rome: Sant' Egidio hosts 'Daring Peace' meeting

Theodoros II delivers the reflection during ecumenical prayers at the Colosseum. Photo: Community of Sant'Egidio

United by the desire for peace, representatives of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faith communities attended an international meeting, 'Daring Peace,' hosted by Sant' Egidio from 26-28 October at the Colosseum,in Rome. Politicians, social scientists, and civil society representatives also participated.

Most Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway presiding bishop, participated in a panel that discussed the path forward for Christian unity, reflecting that it is faith in God that makes us one, and it is God's love and recognition of people and creation that challenge us to say "yes" to each other.

"So we are created in the image of God, called to follow Jesus together," he said. "On the path of love, Christian faith is first and foremost 'yes,' to God and God's will."

Tveit pointed out that we must not be naive about the divisive forces that also find expression in violence and war. "The church must both pray and work, and move forward together - together with all people of good will on the path of peace," he said. "It is necessary to make peace a priority in these times. But who will do it if not those who believe in God?"

Lutheran World Federation president Bishop Henrik Stubkjær was also among the many speakers on panels.

At a panel entitled 'The Europe of Tomorrow,' Stubkjær spoke of the urgent need for Europeans to be "brave and vigilant in standing for freedom, dignity and service to those in need."

Politicians and church leaders, he said, have a shared task "to enable participation, build trust in society, challenge injustice, to discover and nurture signs of hope and to empower people in need."

HB Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa delivered the closing reflection, focusing on why we dare to struggle for peace.

"Here today we are one family - to protect life and seek new paths of dialogue - while nations clash and every day the blood of our innocent brothers is shed upon the altar of power, domination, and egoism," said Theodoros II. "In this global crisis, God calls upon us once again."

He urged all to have the courage to pray for peace.

"Have the courage to act and become workers for God's peace," he said. "Have the courage to love all the wounded who each day, like Christ, are crucified with nails. Let us entrust our lives to the God of peace and love."

The Sant' Egidio community, which is present in over 70 countries around the world, focuses its activities on prayer, service to the poor, and working for peace.

LINKS

Meditation by HB Theodoros II, Rome 2025

Learn more about the Sant' Egidio 'Daring Peace' meeting in Rome: https://meetingsforpeace.santegidio.org/