Congenial Eastern Atmosphere The Melkite Patriarch of Damascus himself, Gregorios III Laham, bluntly admits that the synod was his idea. Speaking on Tuesday in the Aula of the Synod at the Vatican, he gave a powerful warning about a “clash of religions,” if Christianity were to disappear from the Middle East. In an interview, he told our synod observer Stefan Kempis: “We have slowly grown into this, so it is interesting to see these bishops doing something like this for the first time: most are bishops new to a synod, but they have felt at ease there. “I thank God for the really congenial Eastern atmosphere at this Synod: there has been enthusiasm, joy and humour.” There was at times a lively debate, with many problems on the agenda, such as for example, the emigration of many Christians from the Middle East. What were the most interesting ideas and comments you’ve heard at the Synod? “For example, the suggestion of many to hold such a Synod in the Middle East – at a local level. Then there was the desire to do all in our power to put an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, since this conflict is the main reason for most of the multiple crises and wars that have caused Christian emigration.” Translation from German: V. Chamberlain |