The Community of Sant’Egidio has continued to live the “Spirit of the Assisi” proposed by John Paul II in 1986, by accepting the Pope’s invitation at the conclusion of that historical meeting: “Let’s keep spreading the message of Peace and living the spirit of Assisi”. Since then, through a network of friendship between representatives of different faiths and cultures from over 60 countries, the Community has promoted a pilgrimage of peace, that has taken place in many European and Mediterranean cities year after year. This year’s Meeting “The Audacity of Peace” was in Berlin from 10th-12th September 2023: world representatives of religions, politics and culture dedicated the three days to dialogue and prayer for peace.
The programme included an opening assembly followed by 20 forums on topics such as: the ecological crisis, migrants, inter-religious dialogue, democracy in the contemporary age, globalisation, disarmament and artificial intelligence.
The final ceremony took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate on 12th September.
Pope Francis sent a heartfelt message, saying, “The audacity of peace is the prophecy required of those who hold the fate of warring countries in their hands, of the international community, of us all. It is especially the case with regard to believing men and women, that they give expression to the cries of mothers and fathers, to the heartbreak of the fallen, and to the futility of destruction, and so denounce the madness of war”.
The World Religions’ Appeal for Peace was read out. It begins by emphasizing the significance of the location: “Gathered in Berlin in the spirit of Assisi, representatives of the world’s Religions, we prayed for peace. We did so in this place where history speaks: memory of the war and of the wall that divided Europe. And here we realised that no wall is forever. In 1989 a peaceful revolution took place here that shows the strength of freedom. Let the walls soon fall, walls visible and invisible, dividing the peoples of Europe, Asia, Africa, in the Americas, walls in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea for migrants fleeing wars! Let the walls of the heart fall, that blind and prevent people from realising that the other is my sister and brother!”
The messages were brought home by real life testimonies from countries at war, such as Ukraine and Afghanistan. To conclude, thanks to Josef Bordat for his personal insights, reported below. You can find out all about the Meeting at: https://www.santegidio.org/
A personal view – Josef Bordat (Engineer turned Philosopher) attended the meeting and gave his impression as follows:
What kind of atmosphere was there at the Conference?
I noticed a good and friendly atmosphere among hundreds of concerned and well engaged personalities from over 30 countries working in different areas of conflict analysis and peace building as well as in particular projects on topics like migration, civil society, climate change among others. A real nice and concentrated atmosphere.
What does the title “Audacity of Peace” mean to you?
To create peace is not easy, especially in ongoing wars and conflicts like in the Ukraine, Syria, the Holy Land and so on. So it takes engagement and a kind of spiritual power and resilience to take on acts of peace among these conditions. Audacity describes best this attitude of hope and positive thinking in times of darkness.
Do you think there will be far reaching consequences of the Conference?
It’s hard to say. Of cause, ongoing wars will not end from one day to another. But the talking and discussing can empower those engaged for peace and strengthen their efforts. So, in the long term it might help to keep people searching for solutions to end wars and conflicts.
Which forums did you attend and what did you take away?
Among others, I joined the Forum 7 on War, Migration, and Peace. Very interesting to hear the personal experiences of two impressing women, Olga Makar from the Ukraine and Zohra Sarabi from Afghanistan, who had to leave their homeland due to war and terror. Also on the podium was the Mexican priest José Alejandro Solalinde Guerra, director of “Hermanos en camino” (“Brothers on the way“), who reminded the audience (mostly young people), how important solidarity is as expression of Christian love.
Any other comments you would like to make?
I’m very glad, that I could attend the conference in Berlin and hope, that Sant’Egidio keeps going on its way towards making the world a more peaceful, social, healthy and therefore better place.
