2013-03-01 14:47:58

Christians and Muslims: beacons of hope'


(Vatican Radio) The Vatican’s Commission for religious relations with Muslims concluded a three day meeting on Thursday, after selecting a theme for discussion over the next four years: ‘Christians and Muslims - beacons of hope’. The Commission, which was founded by Pope Paul VI in 1974, works closely together with the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue under the presidency of French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. It includes eight Catholic experts in Christian-Muslim dialogue from countries as diverse as Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, the UK and the United States. Philippa Hitchen takes a closer look:

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In his opening remarks to the meeting, Cardinal Tauran spoke of the turbulent history of Christian-Muslim relations since the birth of Islam in seventh century. History, he said, "is not simply something from the past, but it influences positively or negatively our present and future." Christian and Muslim historians, he stressed, must work together to discern the truth of events, since "objectivity can open the way to asking and giving pardon."
Cardinal Tauran also spelt out three areas of discussion that deserve particular attention: firstly the constant temptation to shift from interreligious to political dialogue. Secondly, the need for consistency between religious values of the two religions and the behaviour of its followers, especially with respect for human dignity and human rights. Finally, the need for Christians, lay, religious and clergy, to receive a good formation for meeting believers of other religions, especially through interreligious dialogue.
Members of the Commission, which meets each years in Rome, also attended Pope Benedict’s last General Audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday.







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