"The Christians in Lebanon need our solidarity": it was the appeal by Johannes Friedrich, evangelical bishop of Munich, and Msgr. Hans-Jochen Jaschke, auxiliary bishop of Hamburg, who are in Beirut in these days. Friedrich and Jaschke are the leaders of the joint delegation of the Evangelical Church (EKD) and the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK), visiting the Churches of Lebanon and Egypt from 23 to 29 June. The journey is meant to be a sign of solidarity for the Christians in those countries, as well as a sign of dialogue with Islam. The representatives of the Churches pointed out that the Christians in Lebanon "continue to be subject to high pressures. Lots of them are leaving the country. The political developments remain uncertain". The visit was much appreciated by both the local Churches and the Muslims, and it was considered a sign of encouragement and strengthening of the wish for peace of religions. This attitude was confirmed by Friedrich and Jaschke during their talks with the Sunni and Shiite representatives: "There is no alternative to dialogue between religions. We openly ask for the condemnation of any kind of violence carried out in the name of religion. Freedom of religion and faith is an indefeasible condition for interreligious dialogue". ” ” ” “
