Attacks on holy sites 'violates all religious teachings'

Attacking holy places in Jerusalem is against God's message and all religious teachings, said Bishop More Thernotheos Thomas Muriyankal, President of the National Council of Churches in India, and Metropolitan of the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church.

Bishop Muriyankal, who is visiting the UAE to take part in the Easter celebrations of St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, said, "Holy places all over the world should not be violated for any reason whatsoever.

"Religion should not be used to destroy civilisation, as happened in Afghanistan where the Buddha statues were recently destroyed by the Taliban regime."

Bishop Muriyankal said that conflict between religions was as old as history. "This conflict happened in the past and is still happening. But people from all religions should look for peace, they should stop this conflict and overcome it," he said.

Religious conflict should not be allowed to shape the future. He believes that all religions call for peace and harmony, and the followers of all religions should work together to protect human rights and lives.

Religion should be used to stop military conflicts and protect holy places. He stressed the importance of cooperation among religions. This would lead to "a more civilised world if it is achieved."