Vatican City, Nov 4, 2008 / 09:08 am
Catholic-Muslim dialogue took a step forward today as representatives from the two different religions met at the Vatican. The two-day meeting will focus on the need for respecting human dignity, religious freedom and the theological aspects of “Love of God and Neighbor.”
On October 13, 2007, 138 Muslims leaders sent an open letter to numerous Christian churches requesting that channels of dialogue be established between the two faiths. The Muslim scholars and religious leaders proposed that the “Love of God and Neighbor” be the theme for the discussions since these are beliefs held in common by both religions.
Pope Benedict XVI responded to the request for dialogue on November 19, 2007 saying that while the two faiths do hold these tenets in common, Christianity has developed an understanding of the paramount importance of human dignity and religious freedom. Any discussion about the love of God and neighbor must lead to the acceptance of religious freedom and the defense of human dignity.
The first seminar organized by the Catholic-Muslim Forum was held this morning at the Vatican and the meeting will culminate with a meeting with Pope Benedict on November 6.