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The President of the Republic recognized the co-operation between the Churches, signatories to the Porvoo Common Statement in shaping the new Europe11.03.2002
President Arnold Rüütel met with participants of the Conference dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Porvoo Common Statement at Kadriorg today.
The twelve Anglican and Lutheran Churches having signed the Porvoo Common Statement in 1992 have proceeded from the principle that the basic message of Christianity is not uniformity but respect for diversity and through this - aspiration for communion and integrity.
Commending the Porvoo Common Statement and the process originating in it, President Rüütel highlighted the aspects singled out by Gunvor Lande, a Norwegian theologian: the identity of the Church, the ability of the Church to develop a dialogue in the multicultural world of different religions, and the mission of the Church in the modern world. The Head of State noted that these three aspects could be regarded as main policy instruments on the level of states and international organisations as well if we substituted the words "state" or "nation" for "church". "Therefore we can assume that we are formulating fundamental issues of our era together, carried by the hope that we shall also be able to look for and find solutions together," the President said.
For their part, the representatives of the Churches assured that the Porvoo process was continuing and the participating Churches desired to advance dialogue not only between themselves but also with other larger and smaller denominations throughout the world. The President of the Republic wished to the Member Churches of the Porvoo Common Statement strength of mind and commitment to their noble mission.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 11, 2002
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