The Bessarabian Metropolitan Church expressed its concern about the September 13 antisemitic and xenophobic manifestations, saying it disapproves of any acts of religious intolerance. In a communique, the Church says that such a behavior by the Orthodox Christians damages the image of the Orthodox Church, which is free from any religious fundamentalism, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The violent manifestations run counter to the moral law and God's wish. Our people have never fought religious wars. On the contrary, they have lived in harmony with the other ethnic groups. Our forerunners' tolerance dates from Alexandru cel Bun's time, when the people had bishoprics, churches and monasteries and were treated with love and respect by the Orthodox Christians, who were greater in number. Other ethnic groups enjoyed the same treatment,” it is said in the communique. The Bessarabian Metropolitan Church reminds that now it is the Advent and calls on the faithful to be respectful with other religions and not react to the provocations that could prejudice the Orthodox Church's image. It also says that the central and local authorities should take into account the opinion of the majority when making decisions concerning the society's moral and religious life, in accordance with the democratic norms.