Christian-Muslim dialogue making progress in Pakistan
(Vatican Radio) How is interfaith dialogue helping to ease tensions between members
of different religious communities? How easy is it to find common ground with believers
of other faith traditions? And what role does the state play in guaranteeing full
religious freedom for all members of multi-faith societies? These questions were
on the agenda at a plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
which took place here in the Vatican this week, with the participation of Catholic
leaders from all over the world. Meeting with the group on Thursday, at the conclusion
of the four day encounter, Pope Francis reiterated his belief that "an attitude of
openness in truth and love must prevail in dialogue with believers of non-Christian
religions, despite the various obstacles and difficulties, particularly fundamentalism
on both sides."
Among the Asian leaders attending the meeting was the newly
appointed Archbishop of Lahore in Pakistan Sebastian Shaw. He told Philippa Hitchen
that despite the many difficulties facing Christians in his country, interfaith dialogue
is slowly improving relations with the majority Muslim community....