In the World, Yet Not of the World: Social and Global Initiatives of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Orthodox Christianity and Contemporary Thought) - Hardcover

Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823231712 ISBN 13: 9780823231713

Publisher: Fordham University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew speaks to a contemporary world about, human rights, religious tolerance, international peace, environmental protection, and more.In the World, Yet Not of the World represents a selection of major addresses and significant messages as well as public statements by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, first among equalsand spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians. The Patriarch is as comfortable preaching about the spiritual legacy of the Orthodox Church as he is promoting sociopolitical issues of his immediate cultural environment and praying for respect toward Islam or for global peace.As the documents reveal, the tenure of the Ecumenical Patriarch has been characterized by inter-Orthodox cooperation, inter-Christian dialogue and interreligious understanding. He has traveled more extensively than any other Orthodox Patriarch in history, exchanging official visitations with numerous ecclesiastical and state dignitaries.In particular, because he is a citizen of Turkey and the leader of a Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim nation, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's personal experience endows him with a unique perspective on religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. These documents are drawn from his prominent leadership roles as primary spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian world and transnational figure of global significance - influential roles that become more vital each day. Published together here for the first time, the writings reveal the Ecumenical Patriarch as a bridge builder and peacemaker. One of his catchphrases is War in the name of religion is war against religion.Over the past eighteen years, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's inclination and intention have been to address the most difficult issues facing the world-the deep and increasing mistrust between East and West, the decay and widening destruction of the natural environment, as well as the sharp divisions among the various Christian confessions and diverse faith communities-whether on religious, racial, or cultural levels. He regards being a servant of reconciliation as a primary obligation of his spiritual ministry to. This book reveals the powerful influence of a spiritual institution from the unique perspective of a Christian leader in the world, and yet not of the world.Some of the topics covered: o Faith and freedomo Racism and fundamentalismo Mutual respect and toleranceo Ecology and povertyo Human rights and freedomo Racial and religious discriminationo Church and stateo Terrorism and corruptiono Freedom of conscienceo Europe, Turkey and the worldo Religion and politicso Christians and Muslimso Christians and Jews

About this title

Review:

"Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's message of global peace, racial tolerance, environmental stewardship, and inter-cultural understanding unites people of all backgrounds and faiths. His words highlight our common humanity, our common responsibilities, and our common future. This book will help inspire us to create a better world."----Michael R. Bloomberg "Mayor of the City of New York "

Our age urgently calls for global leaders who can draw connections and build bridges between the world's diverse and disparate religions, races, civilizations and nations. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is such a leader, and these timely texts reveal his unique and inspiring spiritual voice. The Patriarch's reflections are a significant blueprint for people of good faith to engage in dialogue on the crucial issues of our time.----former U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland

The powerful words and vision of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in this treasured volume of major addresses, significant messages, and public statements are at once timely and timeless, instructive and inspirational, but above all, they are a blessing and a gift to Orthodox Christians everywhere, to people of all faiths around the world, and to our shared humanity.----U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine

. . . a great monument to the role of Christianity in an ever-changing world, and the leadership it can provide in witness to the Gospel.----Catholic Missourian

About the Author:

His all Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians, is the 270th successor of St. Andrew the Apostle, who founded the 2,000-year-old Church of Constantinople. For his efforts to raise environmental awareness, he was named by Time magazine as one of the world's most influential people. The REV. DR. JOHN CHRYSSAVGIS is Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Throne and a clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, where he serves as theological advisor in the office of Inter Orthodox and ecumenical relations. He is also theological advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch on environmental affairs. He studied in Athens and Oxford, as well as taught in Sydney and Boston. The author of numerous books and articles on Orthodox theology, spirituality, and ecology, he has edited three volumes containing the selected writings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Fordham University Press, 2010-12) and co-edited the signature anthology on Orthodoxy and the environment, Toward an Ecology of Transfiguration: Orthodox Christian Perspectives on Environment, Nature, and Creation (Fordham). He lives in Harpswell, Maine. Jose Manuel Barroso is President of the European Commission.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fordham University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0823231712
• ISBN 13: 9780823231713
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 350
• Editor: Chryssavgis John