Muslim representatives address Synod

On Thursday afternoon two Muslim representatives addressed the Synod of Bishops outlining their vision of greater respect and understanding between Christianity and Islam in the Middle East. Sunni Professor Mohammad Al-Sammak from Lebanon and Iranian Ayatollah Sayed Mohaghegh Ahmadabadi representing the Shi’ite branch of Islam spoke of the right of all believers to practise their faith without fear, a principle which they stressed is set out in Islam’s holiest book, the Quran. Speaking at a press conference with journalists, the Ayatollah said it is essential to distinguish between inter-religious relations and political struggles which are often presented under the guise of religion. “During the past two decades, religions are faced with new conditions..In societies where different groups with their own languages and religions have been placed, for the sake of social stability and ethic sanity, one is required to respect their presence and their rights”. Listen: