2005.06.08 Interfax: Jun 8 2005 11:43AM
Alexy II concerned about anti-Semitism and xenophobia
MOSCOW. June 8 (Interfax) – Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II said he is concerned about the spread of anti-Semitism and xenophobia worldwide.
“Unfortunately, this sin manifests itself today, including among public figures, publicists and extremist group leaders. Most of them insult the feelings of other nationalities, including the Russian people, trample on
their sacred objects and historical memory,” the patriarch said at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s conference on anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, which opened in Cordova in southern Spain on Wednesday.
Speaking about xenophobia, the Russian Orthodox Church head said that “anti-Semitism – one of the extreme forms of anti-humanism and ethnic hatred – had particularly tragic consequences in the 20th century.” “The Russian Orthodox Church completely shares serious concerns governments and the public have about any manifestations of xenophobia, anti-Semitism and all other kinds of ethnic hatred and intolerance,” he said.
