Declaration
of Religious Communities in Albania on Maintaining Peace and Wisdom in the Albanian Political Situation
We, the Religious Communities in Albania: the Muslim Community, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Bektashi World Community, and the Evangelical Brotherhood, in accordance with the nature of our spiritual activity, feel spiritually and morally responsible towards our believers but also towards the entire Albanian society. With respect to the latest political situation, while also remembering various instances from the past, we want to address through this joint statement, the politicians and all those who are institutionally responsible for the good of this country.
It is not our job to find or provide concrete solutions to the actual situation. It is the duty of politicians and politics, which act in their own field and are mandated by the people to perform their work. We thank God for the many good things that have been done and are still being done, as well as the seriousness shown by many people, albeit often unknown, who have worked hard for the application of the law and for the good of society.
But we are also concerned about the political climate in our country, in specific:
- the lack of political dialogue and the lack of willingness to use dialogue to resolve political impasses; especially those impasses related to the issue of elections, which are an indispensable instrument for the social welfare of Albanians;
- the violent and disparaging rhetoric used in the media and on social networks by those holding posts or having important public positions in the country’s life;
- the phenomena of corruption and the production of narcotics, which harm the lives of citizens and their future well-being.
All of the above can put the stability of the country in danger. Stability is a common good for us and our society and we have to keep it at all costs.
Therefore, we strongly and firmly invite all political parties in Albania, the opposition and the majority government, small parties and large parties:
- to build up bridges and not walls. There is need for a sincere dialogue to be conducted on many levels; a dialogue that includes as many actors and as many parties as possible. From the day you decided to enter the political arena, you carry a responsibility to the people that must always be on your mind; the good of the people must be your primary goal.
- to tone down the violent and disparaging rhetoric against political opponents. It only inflames tempers and promotes violent actions.
- to guarantee a transparent and inclusive electoral process. In particular, we call on all citizens not to fall prey to the temptation to sell their vote or to vote under threat of losing their job by which they provide for their families. We also call on all the institutions that are responsible for these elections to fight the whole phenomenon of selling and buying votes and of threatening people with the loss of their jobs.
- to create proper conditions in order that law and justice may rule the social life of Albania and Albanians.
We also encourage every civic and political initiative which hopes to serve the common good and to avoid every form of violence against people, objects and institutions.
Convinced that through this statement we are making a contribution to the country’s well-being, we will continue to pray for the future and the well-being of our country.
Tirana, 12 May 2017
Religious Communities in Albania
