MINSK, 28 September (BelTA) – The visit of the high-ranking Catholic clergy to Minsk is recognition of Belarus' policy of peace and accord, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with the participants of the annual Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) on 28 September, BelTA informs.
“We believe that the visit of such high-ranking Catholic priests to Minsk is a sign of profound respect for Belarusian Catholic believers. I am convinced that this is recognition of Belarus' policy of peace and accord in the country and on the international arena,” the head of state said.
He remarked: “Today Belarus is not just the geographical center of Europe. This is a God's gift. For many centuries Belarus has been the country where different religions coexist in harmony. Their interaction has had a strong impact on the formation of the Belarusian nation, its cultural and spiritual development.”
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that the hosting of the CCEE Plenary Assembly in Belarus exactly in this period is very symbolic. This year we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first old-Belarusian printed book. It was Francysk Skaryna's Psalter. The work of the printing pioneer made the Gospel more palatable to Eastern Slavonic nations. “Apart from that, this meeting takes place in the year when we mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Holy See. I am convinced that our cooperation with the Catholic Church will be vigorously developing in the name of peace and creation,” the head of state said.
In his words, in contrast to many other corners of the planet the diversity of religions in Belarus has not become a reason for ethnic and religious conflicts. It helps strengthen mutual understanding and respect. “The existing system of conflict-free relations between the state, religion and the society can be and should be an example for other countries,” the Belarusian leader is convinced.
“Belarus realizes the importance of religions in the life of the society. We have established very solid, traditionally strong and, I think, long-lasting traditions of interaction and role of the church in our society,” the president emphasized.
He remarked that, for example, the annual presentation of awards For Spiritual Revival to the clergy, representatives of religious organizations is a testimony to the recognition of their merits. “Realizing the importance of spiritual enlightenment, formation of the moral compass of the Belarusian nation and preservation of its cultural legacy, we provide all-round assistance in the renovation of temples and construction of new churches, jointly implement projects in spiritual and moral education and upbringing of the younger generation,” the head of state said.
He expressed confidence that during the visit to Belarus the clergy will feel the kindness and hospitality of Belarusian people. “We do not divide people on religious lines. A person is free to choose a way to church. This is the law of our society. We are trying to recognize grandeur and beauty through friendship, understanding, and patience. Pope Francis, whom I respect immensely, spiritual leaders of virtually all religious denominations are calling for it today,” the Belarusian leader concluded.
