One magnanimous religous leader

Can we hear from more? Pope Benedict has made now…what?…umpteen declarations of sincere goodwill towards other faiths, sincere intentions to engage in dialogue with the world’s religions, and sincere promises to uphold their great traditions and rights.

Now, in this press release from the Anti-Defamation League, he assures them that he will always be a moral voice for them. 

In a private audience today with leaders from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI issued his strongest declaration against anti-Semitism since assuming the papacy, telling the visiting delegation of Jewish leaders that he would, “be a strong, constant voice against anti-Semitism.”

“I will always be there for you in fighting anti-Semitism,” Pope Benedict personally assured Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, in informal words following his prepared remarks to the delegation.

“May the Eternal One, our Father in heaven, bless every effort to eliminate from our world any misuse of religion as an excuse for hatred or violence,” the Pope said. He added that the Vatican is making interfaith dialogue a top priority with an aim to, “build relationships not just of tolerance, but of authentic respect.”

Have we heard anything like this from any other religious leader?

Meanwhile…

Mr. Foxman said:  “In offering his most forceful words yet against anti-Semitism, and in expressing remorse for the reaction to his remarks about Islam, Pope Benedict has shown that he is greatly sensitive to the need for a new level of openness and dialogue among the major faiths.”

Now, can we see a similar sensitivity from the heads of other major faiths? It’s truth time.