Loading
Church leaders concerned about Iran's Christians

Geneva, Ill., Apr 26, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- A Swiss Catholic Church delegation who recently returned from a week-long visit to Iran and says that Christians do not enjoy religious freedom in the Islamic country.

The 10-member delegation, led by Bishop Pierre Bürcher, auxiliary bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, Fribourg and Neuchâtel, found that Christian minorities in Iran were free to practice their religion but only within their own communities. They cannot speak about their faith outside their community.

As a result most Iranians knew little of Christianity and other religions, added Galgano.

The visit by members of the Swiss Bishops Conference's Islam Committee followed an invitation from Iran's Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, which had visited Switzerland in September.

During this current visit, the political crisis over Iran's nuclear aspirations, the controversy over the Mohammed caricatures, and the West’s perceptions of Iran were discussed. Iranians shared their desire for peace. As well as meeting Christian minorities in Iran, the Swiss delegation also visited Muslim holy sites.

There are 110,000 Christians among Iran’s 70 million people. A book containing speeches from the visits is to be published in Farsi and English, and distributed in Iran.

In another effort to further dialogue, Bishop Bürcher is attending the "Doha Trialogue" in Qatar this week between Middle Eastern Christians, Jews and Muslims.



Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages

RESOURCES »

Featured Videos

Pope Francis prays over a sick man in St Peter's Square
Pope Francis prays over a sick man in St Peter's Square
Denver women's clinic will offer natural, Catholic care
Interview Clips: Barbara Nicolosi speaks to CNA
US Cardinals press conference at North American College
Pope Benedict to retire to monastery inside Vatican City
Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation
Hundreds convene in Denver to urge respect for life
New Orange bishop encourages Catholic unity in diversity
Chinese pro-life activist calls for reform, international attention
At Lincoln installation, Bishop Conley says holiness is success
Mother Cabrini shrine reopens in Chicago after a decade
Ordination of 33 deacons fills St. Peter's with joy
Cardinal says "Charity is the mother of all the virtues"
Augustine Institute expands evangelization effort with new campus
Bishops recall 'Way of St. James' as chance to trust in God
Los Angeles cathedral's newest chapel houses Guadalupe relic
Lay missionaries to the poor open new Denver headquarters
New Buffalo bishop stresses need for modern-day martyrs
Guadalupe message resounds at Los Angeles' massive Marian festival
Pastors of Aurora churches comfort, encourage parishioners
Visit our YouTube channel »
Jun
20

Liturgical Calendar

June 20, 2013

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

All readings:
Today »
This year »

Catholic Daily

Gospel of the Day

Mt 6,7-15

Gospel
Date
Mt 6,7-15
06/20/13
Mt 6,1-6.16-18
06/19/13
Mt 5,43-48
06/18/13

Daily Readings


First Reading:: 2 Cor 11:1-11
Psalm:: Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 7-8
Gospel:: Mt 6:7-15

Saint of the Day

St. Romuald »

Saint
Date
St. Romuald
06/20/13
St. Osanna Andreasi
06/19/13
St. Albert Chmielowski
06/18/13

Homily of the Day

Mt 6,7-15

Homily
Date
Mt 6,7-15
06/20/13
Mt 6,1-6.16-18
06/19/13
Mateo 5,43-48
06/18/13

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com

Ads by AdsLiveMedia.com
     HTML
Text only
Headlines
  

Follow us: