Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – At 10:30am on July 18, in the Crypt of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, the Holy Father Benedict XVI held an ecumenical encounter with several leaders of other Christian Churches and members of the New South Wales Ecumenical Council. “Australia is a country marked by much ethnic and religious diversity,” the Pope said, after having greeted and thanked all those present. “Yours, too, is a nation which recognizes the importance of religious freedom. This is a fundamental right which, when respected, allows citizens to act upon values which are rooted in their deepest beliefs, contributing thus to the well-being of society. In this way, Christians cooperate, together with members of other religions, for the promotion of human dignity and for fellowship among all nations.” After acknowledging the...
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