Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very positive moment of spiritual and diplomatic significance that took place last week in the ancient city of Nicaea in the Republic of Turkey.
Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked 1700 years since the first ecumenical council, held in 325. That council helped shape Christianity and our basic values and beliefs, including respect, harmony, solidarity and freedom, which are also embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches commemorated this historic anniversary by sending a powerful message to the world about the need for reconciliation, dialogue and mutual respect for all people, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic origin.
In an era marked by conflict, persecution and polarization, their meeting shows that it is possible to overcome our differences in the service of peace and human dignity.