Ecumenical Patriarch: We reject the phrase “There is no alternative”

© Ecumenical Patriarchate

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a joint press conference with other religious leaders yesterday and he also delivered a speech at an event organized by the international organization “Interfaith Alliance,” of which Metropolitan Emmanuel is a member.

In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to some of the negative aspects of technological progress and the consequences they have on people’s lives. He reiterated the importance of faith, which, he said, reinforces our commitment to human action and broadens our witness to freedom, justice, and peace.

© Ecumenical Patriarchate

“We reject the cynical phrase ‘There is no alternative’. We reject the claim that failure to comply with the mandates of globalization and the “autonomy of the economy” will inevitably lead to the spread of poverty and to uncontrolled social developments and conflicts. From our point of view, we put emphasis on the words ‘solidarity’ and ‘cooperation’.

The Ecumenical Patriarch then paid a customary visit to the Turkey Wealth Fund (Türkiye Varlık Fonu), where he was received by its Managing Director, Zafer Sönmez, executives of the fund, and business people.

Ecumenical Patriarch at the Turkish Fund © Ecumenical Patriarchate