focus | Church in dialogue
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the 17th World Policy Conference in Abu Dhabi
Image courtesy of ecupatria.org
Spiritual wisdom
and global governance
Adriana Masotti
"In confronting today's challenges, we must remember the enduring lesson from the Council of Nicaea: true success arises from the harmonious integration of spiritual wisdom and practical governance." Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople expressed this conviction in his opening speech at the 17th World Policy Conference, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 13, 2024. Prominent international figures participated from the political, economic, and academic sectors, as well as leaders from diverse fields, to reflect together on the profound changes in today's world.
"Our presence in this remarkable setting, where tradition harmoniously coexists with innovation,” Bartholomew observed, “offers an apt backdrop for our deliberations on global governance and international cooperation. To address the prominent issues of confronting the global community, the Ecumenical Patriarch suggested actions that promote a holistic approach, one "that respects divine wisdom as well as human dignity". He then acknowledged the responsibility of his Church to "provide moral direction and spiritual insights transcending political divisions".
The Council of Nicaea and the joint celebration of Easter 2025
At the beginning of his speech, the patriarch referred to one of the fundamental principles of the Orthodox Church, namely its great conciliar tradition, so much so that it is called "the Church of Councils". He recalled the celebration this year of the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea which, in 325, saw all of the Christian bishops of that time meet to confront with one another both to “address pressing theological matters, but also, closely linked to them, questions of social cohesion and imperial unity."
Bartholomew then highlighted the difficult task of preserving unity and diversity, combating injustices and advancing peace – difficulties that strikingly resembled those we live in our time. The Nicene Fathers offered an example of openness and a desire to overcome divisions. Today, the patriarch noted, a significant step towards reparation of old conflicts will be reflected through the common celebration of Easter 2025. The Ecumenical Patriarchate's proposal to the Roman Catholic Church to return to the Julian calendar for the common calculation of Easter, he stressed, becomes a sign of potential unity among Christian traditions, as well as an opportunity "to transform symbolic unity into a tangible partnership” for the benefit of society.
Global Leadership and the Ecological Crisis
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Bartholomew then recalled again the wisdom of the Council of Nicaea, which teaches us that global challenges require “global responses grounded in shared values and mutual respect." Regarding climate change and global warming, he spoke of how the current ecological crisis "forces the Church to fully use its spiritual authority to guard God’s creation from the results of human greed, since the roots of this crisis are spiritual and ethical, lying inside each man". Among the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s concrete proposals is support for "the establishment of a permanent ecumenical environmental council directly under UN advisory authority to organize the responses of religious communities against climate change. Acting as a link between spiritual traditions and world government, this group (council) would provide moral direction on environmental policies and support interfaith cooperation on climate action.”
Technological development and artificial intelligence
The enormous development of biotechnology and artificial intelligence requires a similar approach. "For this reason, secondly, we support the development of artificial intelligence by means of a global ethical framework comprising religious and cultural points of view from different traditions.” And the Patriarch continued: "The Orthodox Church welcomes its responsibility to spread all truth contained in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, which naturally includes offering ethical direction for technological advancement." In this way, human dignity is not compromised and technological opportunities are oriented towards the common good.
Economic growth for the benefit of all
Finally, a third area of world governance to which the Patriarch turned his attention was the importance of inclusive economic policies and economic systems that transcend exclusively market-driven solutions. As reaffirmed by the Holy Council of the Orthodox Church in 2016, "a sustainable economy is that which combines efficiency with justice and social solidarity." To do this, the Patriarch said, it is necessary that economic growth benefits the whole entire human family by “balancing social justice with economic efficiency, scientific development with human dignity, and world collaboration with cultural variety.”
"Let us seize this opportune moment," Bartholomew concluded, "to establish collaborative connections between religious wisdom and contemporary knowledge that will benefit future generations.”