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

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 "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 * . . . 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 *

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 equals" and 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: oFaith and freedom oRacism and fundamentalism oMutual respect and tolerance oEcology and poverty oHuman rights and freedom oRacial and religious discrimination oChurch and state oTerrorism and corruption oFreedom of conscience oEurope, Turkey and the world oReligion and politics oChristians and Muslims oChristians and Jews