This Work Requires a “Commitment to Compassion”
By His All-Holiness Bartholomew I
March 25, 2023
Dear Lady de Rothschild,
It is with great joy and interest that we received and read your letter dated 1 February 2023, which describes the creation, benefits, and objectives of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism at our gracious and generous initiative.
Permit us, first, to express our gratitude for your kind words on our modest ministry, especially that in close fellowship and collaboration with our beloved colleagues and brothers, His Holiness Pope Francis of Rome and His Grace Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury. We assuredly share a vision with both of these remarkable leaders, which inspires us to serve God’s planet and God’s people to the best of our abilities but also in accordance with our vows as ordained clergy and religious leaders.
Furthermore, we would like to congratulate you on your own endeavors and initiatives to inspire and incorporate a moral dimension to the economic system. In so doing, you admirably aspire to respond to the call of church and faith leaders, who have their pulse on the sensitivity and suffering of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. This will involve more than just short-term sacrifice; it will entail a commitment to compassion and communion, ultimately solidarity and sharing with all those who are excluded and exploited by the markets and corporations.
Each of us, from our own position and perspective, but also with humility and honesty, must advocate for a more sustainable world. We wish you every blessing in the unique leadership and service that you provide.
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the 10th of February, 2023.
Prayerfully yours,
BARTHOLOMEW I
Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome
and Ecumenical Patriarch
