Historical meeting of religious leaders in a TV show - Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, head of the Islamic community, Rifat Fejzić, archbishop Rok Đonlešaj of Bar and chief rabbi Luciano Moše Prelevic spoke about coexistence in Montenegro and how religious communities contribute to peace and tolerance. Stories about examples of overcoming differences and divisions were also broadcast in "Arguments".
When asked about the coexistence of religious communities, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral pointed out that history testifies that we all have deep roots, that culture has been built, but that there is also what is common.
"Now we have no open questions, it may be that sometimes more frequent meetings are needed. We communicate with each other, we see each other, it could be more, but we are ready to contribute to harmonization and establishing better relations", said the Metropolitan.
It is necessary, he added, to concentrate on what builds us.
The head of the Islamic community, Rifat Fejzić, said that the responsibility for coexistence lies with the largest religious communities.
"We should all contribute as much as we can. There is material for coexistence. During the religious holidays, you will hear words of reconciliation and unity from all of us, however, it is not quite like that on the ground, so the question should be asked whether we are sincere in what we say and whether it is implemented", he pointed out.
He added that religion has never been talked about more than now, and that he wants to give a touch to coexistence in Montenegro.
"God created us to live together," emphasized the head of the Islamic community.
Rok Đonlešaj, archbishop of Bar, said that Montenegro is proud of the coexistence and harmony of religious communities.
"Believers put this into practice, they testify that it is possible to live together. The bar is special because there are also churches and a temple, a cathedral, and an Islamic center. We must be joyful and encourage believers to live together, we are here and we need to contribute to coexistence", said the archbishop of Bar.
The chief rabbi of Montenegro, Luciano Moše Prelevic, believes that coexistence in Montenegro is very good, and that it can be even better.
"We know there is an almighty god, we are ready to close the circle. The support of the synagogue is an indicator of the support of religious communities and mutual harmony", he said in the show "Argumenti".
True believers, he added, respect each other and try to help each other.
When asked how religious leaders can contribute to overcoming differences and divisions, Metropolitan Joanikije said that it is in the nature of religion to spread peace and love.
"We address people, people's consciences, the young, the old... That is our service. Someone hears our word, adopts it and finds strength in it, while some do not want to hear it or hear it in a twisted way. But that is human freedom. We need to sow spiritual seeds both in good weather and in bad weather, we cultivate our field, and it will certainly bear some fruit", said the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral.
He added that he believes that believing people will spread divine virtues.
"The greatest responsibility is ours, but every person is responsible. No one's place can be compensated, everyone can make a contribution."
Metropolitan Ioannikije said that "if there is faith and if we witness it, we will respect every person and everyone's faith".
"You love and respect your religion, you live and suffer for it, but you also respect other people's religion," he added.
The head of the Islamic community agreed with Metropolitan Ioanniki in his messages to respect other people's faith.
"You cannot say for yourself that you are a good believer and do bad things. You will be corrupt, so you hang the crescent moon and claim that you are a good believer. There is nothing from that faith... Respect others to the extent that you would like others to respect you. We need to speak in a language that everyone understands - with actions," said CEO Rifat Fejzić.
Actions, he added, are lacking more and "we need to concentrate so that language becomes actions".
Reis said that politicians certainly bear part of the responsibility for religious bigotry.
"We live according to the laws that politicians pass, and I think that it would suit the minorities if we had an organized system. The system would suit us. "Politicians often create divisions that we should not have in society", said Fejzić, among other things.
The archbishop of Bar, Rok Đonlesaj, said in "Arguments" that the Catholic Church strives to make a full contribution to religious coexistence and harmony, and that concrete examples are needed in some areas.
"We try to help others, regardless of their religion and nationality. We see which people are in need. There are many concrete examples when we want to contribute, but there are also shortcomings... I also see a contribution through volunteering, it is not only volunteers of the Catholic Church, but also of other religions", stated the archbishop of Bar.
The chief rabbi of Montenegro, Luciano Moše Prelević, clarified that every Jewish community is independent, and the rabbi is "only their servant":
"The basic rule of Judaism is to love your neighbor as yourself. In every situation and country there are people who want to muddy the waters, in my opinion we need more honesty among people and more help."
When asked who is responsible for religious bigotry, the chief rabbi said:
"Montenegro is a very young country.