Ecumenical, interfaith leaders laud pope

One of the hallmarks of Pope John Paul II's reign was his relationship with other Christians and members of other faiths. The Evangelist invited a few ecumenical and interfaith leaders to comment on his passing:

* United Methodist Bishop Susan Murch Morrison, Albany: "When I think of John Paul II in every setting, and that includes global and ecumenical, it is one of blessing. In the raising of his hand to bless those around him, he always reminded folks that the blessing of God lavishes life upon us all.

"Some of his greatest witness was to healing the breaches in God's family, especially in relationships between Orthodox Jews and Catholics. His efforts over the years began to heal the breaches that divide us.

"It was a wonderful gift to the world."

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* Imam Ahmed Nezar Kobeisy, director of the Islamic Center of the Capital District, Schenectady: "I have met with some of the members of the Muslim delegation that traveled to Rome to visit Pope John Paul II; and, although I never met him personally, I have closely followed his travels through the Middle East in his ecumenical efforts.

"These efforts are perceived well and greatly appreciated by members of the Muslim community. The Pope's courageous stand on morality issues is very commendable and remarkable. I don't remember any previous popes making these efforts, so his certainly stand out.

"In other areas, such as in dialogues with Jewish leaders, his sincerity also stands out, particularly his apologies and his commitment to 'never again' policies regarding the Holocaust.

"Personally, I appreciated his apologies regarding the Crusades. Although he was not personally responsible in any way for that, his apologies were both respected and appreciated in the Muslim community.

"These acts are unprecedented and viewed by our community as an opening, a beginning in what will hopefully become ongoing dialogue with future popes. Perhaps we can take these dialogues further and see progress in ecumenism.

"You don't have to agree completely with someone in order to appreciate their efforts. Pope John Paul II will always be remembered for these efforts as well as being a voice of the oppressed, of morality, peace and interfaith dialogue.

"We will remember his efforts in these areas with deep appreciation."

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* Rabbi Scott Shpeen, Temple Beth Emeth, Albany: "I've been aware of the good will between Catholics and Jews for the past 20 years, since I have been here in Albany. We are very much aware of the great strides Pope John Paul II has made in this area. We feel as if we have lost a treasured friend.

"His achievements in the area of Catholic/Jewish relationships were far-reaching. He was the first Catholic leader to visit a Jewish synagogue and the first to go to Israel. He mentioned the Rabbi of Rome in his final will and testament.

"He exemplified a great spirit in his attempts to move forward regarding dialogue with the Jewish community. He was outspoken in his determination regarding victims of the Holocaust. This has been deeply appreciated.

"Pope John Paul II was a great leader."

* Bishop Daniel W. Herzog, Episcopal Bishop of Albany: "The Holy Father did a splendid job regarding ecumenical efforts. His own clarity of thought has greatly contributed towards this effort. He has spoken for us all in his support of justice, marriage and his commitment to Christian unity.

"I remember when he was preparing to open the Holy Door of St. Paul's Basilica in 2000 during the Jubilee Year. He invited the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, to help him do this. He visited the Canterbury Cathedral in England and presented Archbishop Carey with Pope Paul VI's ring as a gift. The Archbishop attended the Pope's funeral, and I noticed he brought the ring.

"John Paul opened the door to a deeper understanding among those of different faiths. The next pope has a great opportunity to build on that.

"Our culture today teaches instant gratification. If you don't like something, change it, get rid of it, throw it away. But Pope John Paul taught us the power and the value of following the way of the Cross, and what it means to practice sacrificial love.

"The Holy Father served as an encouragement to the whole Christian world and as witness to the entire human race in terms of the value and significance of human life, especially before birth and at the end of life."

(Reported by Pat Pasternak, staff writer)

(4/14/05)