Fener Greek patriarch 'feels sorrow' over protests

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The patriarch says he felt sorrow for a lack of consideration for religious differences.

Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew has released a statement regarding the protests and violence around the world after the release of the “Innocence of Muslims” trailer.

The patriarch said he felt “profound sorrow that the world has rushed into a confusing and volatile
time of religious protests turning violent, and a grievous lack of consideration for religious differences,” in the declaration.

“Symbols are external representations to which all people connect their own internal meaning and values. In developing an understanding of the symbols, we come to understand the person. To destroy symbols is to inflict pain on the people who honor those symbols and the traditions they represent in their heart.”

Bartholomew called all humanity to adopt a “radical conversion of attitudes, habits and practices” and to attain a level of commitment where they are “open to sharing all things with all people.” The anti-Islam movie has sparked angry and violent demonstrations across the Middle East. At least 21 people were killed and hunderds of people wounded  during the demonstrations.