Representatives of three Orthodox jurisdictions and other religious figures came together to sign a declaration on protecting the dignity of human life in Madrid on Wednesday.
Among the signatories was Romanian Orthodox Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal.
The document states:
- “That, as representatives of the main religious denominations: Islamic Commission of Spain, Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain (FEREDE) Orthodox Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Orthodox Church of the Patriarchate of Romania, Orthodox Church of the Patriarchate of Moscow, Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church (IERE) and Catholic Church, we observe with growing concern how for decades, in our country, laws have been promoted and approved in which, in some cases, human life is seriously unprotected, legislating not only against the principles of the Creator, but also against the most essential of human rights: the right to life.”
- “That life is a gift of God for the whole of creation and humanity.”
- “That human dignity does not depend on life circumstances or social consensus, but is an intrinsic quality of every human being, whose rights must always be respected.”
- “That every human life, therefore, in its inviolable dignity, must be protected from beginning to end.”
- “That respect for the dignity of life of all human beings and their fundamental rights, especially of the weakest, are signs of progress and prosperity of a society and that such respect cannot be considered a step backward or contrary to freedom.”
- “That we understand that there are complex situations, of apparent conflicts of rights, which are difficult to resolve; but we understand that profound ethical and moral dilemmas cannot be resolved in a generic way with the sacrifice of one of the fundamental rights affected (in this case, the right to life) by making the other prevail.”
“For all these reasons, as representatives belonging to different religious confessions but united in the defense of life, human dignity and human rights – especially of the most vulnerable – we ask our faithful, society in general and the political community to reflect once again and assume the commitment to cooperate and work together so that all human life may be protected and safeguarded as a gift from God, endowed with the highest dignity.”
The joint declaration will be presented to the legislative, executive, and judicial authorities in Spain.
See also:
Photo source: Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal
Follow us on Twitter: @BasilicaNews
