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DELEGATION MEETS ARCHBISHOP AND AYATOLLAH IN IRAN
Mark Beach
Mennonite Central Committee
Feb 21 2007
TEHRAN, Iran - On the first day after their arrival in Iran, a
delegation of U.S. religious leaders met separately with Tehran
Friday prayer leader Mohammad Emami Kashani and the Archbishop of
the Armenian Orthodox Church in Tehran.
In introductory remarks to both leaders, delegation co-leader
Ron Flaming of the Mennonite Central Committee explained that the
delegation of Christian leaders feels a calling to visit Iran at a
time of great tension between the two nations. He made clear that
the delegation believes that this tension is not what God intended.
Flaming said the delegation came to meet with the Iranians to engage
in dialogue and hear suggestions on how people in Iran and the U.S.
can help reduce the tension.
In an effort to help the group understand the relationship of
minorities in Iran, Archbishop Sebu Sarkissian said that although
the Armenians living in Iran are a minority faith group, they view
themselves as full Iranians. In fact, he added, the Armenian church
in Iran is an indigenous community.
He said that religious leaders in the U.S. and Iran have to build
trust between each other. "This is not an easy task," he said.
The Ayatollah began his address to the delegation by revealing that
the Holy Kor'an says Christianity is mentioned as the closest religion
to Islam. He explained that the two religions are not in conflict
and that both want peace, equality and justice.
In a question and answer period with the delegates, the Ayatollah
confirmed that the Grand Ayatollahs of Iran have issued a "fatwa"
against the development and use of nuclear weapons and all weapons
of mass destruction. He said it is forbidden in Islam.
When asked why harsh language is used against the United States in
the Friday prayers that he sometimes leads-prayers broadcast across
the country- he replied "What you mention is not against the American
people. Our objection is to statements of the American government."
On his way to evening prayers, the Imam's final statement to the
delegation was, "Please consider Iran as your second home for
Americans."
The 13-member U.S. group represents church members from the Mennonite,
Quaker, Episcopal, Catholic and United Methodist churches.
The group is spending one-week in Iran meeting with religious and
political leaders in the country.
Mark Beach
Mennonite Central Committee
Feb 21 2007
TEHRAN, Iran - On the first day after their arrival in Iran, a
delegation of U.S. religious leaders met separately with Tehran
Friday prayer leader Mohammad Emami Kashani and the Archbishop of
the Armenian Orthodox Church in Tehran.
In introductory remarks to both leaders, delegation co-leader
Ron Flaming of the Mennonite Central Committee explained that the
delegation of Christian leaders feels a calling to visit Iran at a
time of great tension between the two nations. He made clear that
the delegation believes that this tension is not what God intended.
Flaming said the delegation came to meet with the Iranians to engage
in dialogue and hear suggestions on how people in Iran and the U.S.
can help reduce the tension.
In an effort to help the group understand the relationship of
minorities in Iran, Archbishop Sebu Sarkissian said that although
the Armenians living in Iran are a minority faith group, they view
themselves as full Iranians. In fact, he added, the Armenian church
in Iran is an indigenous community.
He said that religious leaders in the U.S. and Iran have to build
trust between each other. "This is not an easy task," he said.
The Ayatollah began his address to the delegation by revealing that
the Holy Kor'an says Christianity is mentioned as the closest religion
to Islam. He explained that the two religions are not in conflict
and that both want peace, equality and justice.
In a question and answer period with the delegates, the Ayatollah
confirmed that the Grand Ayatollahs of Iran have issued a "fatwa"
against the development and use of nuclear weapons and all weapons
of mass destruction. He said it is forbidden in Islam.
When asked why harsh language is used against the United States in
the Friday prayers that he sometimes leads-prayers broadcast across
the country- he replied "What you mention is not against the American
people. Our objection is to statements of the American government."
On his way to evening prayers, the Imam's final statement to the
delegation was, "Please consider Iran as your second home for
Americans."
The 13-member U.S. group represents church members from the Mennonite,
Quaker, Episcopal, Catholic and United Methodist churches.
The group is spending one-week in Iran meeting with religious and
political leaders in the country.