” “”The pursuit of peace in the Holy Land and in other parts of the world, scarred by conflicts and by the terrorist threat”: this is one of the "common spheres of testimony and service in which we can join forces and which actually call us to a closer mutual cooperation”. This was stated by Benedict XVI and the archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglican Church, Rowan Williams, in the Joint Statement signed in the Vatican this morning. During the meeting, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the epoch-making visit of the then archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey, to Paul VI, Benedict XVI and Rowan Williams expressed their wish for joint commitment, also "for the promotion of the respect of life, since conception to natural death; the defence of the holiness of marriage”, assistance "to the poor, the oppressed and the more vulnerable people, especially people who are persecuted due to their faith”, the protection of the environment and the fight against "the negative effects of materialism”. In addition, they reasserted their commitment "to inter-religious dialogue, through which we can jointly reach out to our non-Christian brothers and sisters”. (segue)” “
