Alexis II made this statement in his messages of greetings to the delegates of an international conference dealing with Orthodox Christian Byzantium and the Latin West that opened in Moscow today. This forum is timed to coincide with two historical anniversaries, i.e. the 950 anniversary of the Orthodox-Christian schism, as well as the capture of Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204.
We must return to the spiritual experience of the undivided Church, receiving a chance to live peacefully in a world of trust and love once again, the Patriarch's message of greetings reads in part.
In his words, Orthodox Christians and Catholics would be able to act effectively together, only if they renounce confrontation, unhealthy competition and proselytism, in particular. (Catholics use proselytism to penetrate traditionally Orthodox dioceses - Ed.) The two-day conference involves Cardinal Francesco Marchisano, President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, who represents the Holy See in Russia, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Gaul, who represents the Constantinople Patriarchate, Greek and Belarus Ambassadors to Russia Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos and Vladimir Grigoryev, as well as other representatives of Orthodox ecumenical churches, those of the Roman Catholic Church, scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences, professors and lecturers from Russian and foreign colleges and universities, members of the imperial Palestine society and other distinguished guests.
A cardinal, member of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, has visited Moscow not so long ago, agreeing to establish a joint group, which would tackle various problems in relations between the two Churches. The commission held its first session in early May.
Cardinal Walter Casper, Chairman of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, visited Russia this year, negotiating with Alexis II and stressing that the Holy See adhered to its previous positions, and that it perceived the Orthodox Church as a sister church. We aspire for fraternal relations; I informed the clergy during our talks at the cathedral, also mentioning the Pro Russia document at a bishop conference, Casper noted.
Of course, I know that some people don't abide by such resolutions; still this has happened all the time because it's impossible to control everyone, Casper went on to say.
Proselytism is not our policy and strategy for Russia; moreover, it runs counter to the Holy See's policy, Casper stressed. We must distinguish between proselytism and those particular cases when Orthodox Christians want to become Catholics of their own accord, Casper noted. Meanwhile some Catholics also become Orthodox Christians. Surely enough, we are not very happy about such cases; nonetheless, we must recognize religious freedom and freedom of faith, Casper said in conclusion.
