Christian leaders rely on political skills to navigate Syrian culture

Published: 2004-10-29

DAMASCUS, Syria (CNS) -- Whether dialoguing with Muslims or negotiating with the government in Syria, Christian leaders must rely on political skills as well as religious arguments, said Melkite Archbishop Isidore Battikha of Damascus. That means keeping the channels of communication open, exchanging favors and, at times, knowing when to draw a hard line, Archbishop Battikha said Oct. 26. When done well, the results of religious and political dialogue can be impressive, he said. Earlier this year, for example, the Syrian Islamic magazine Maarej (The Steps) published a 250-page special issue dedicated to Mary. On the cover was a painting of Mary and Jesus above words from the Koran: "And the angel said to Mary, 'God has chosen you and purified you for all the nations.'" "It's an amazing and important event," said Juan Pedro de Gandt, an assistant to Archbishop Battikha. Mary is revered by Muslims, he said, but this kind of exhaustive presentation of her importance to Christianity was unprecedented. The special issue was the product of a Christian-Muslim editorial project spurred by Pope John Paul II's visit in 2001.

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