VATICAN - Communique from the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue on the First Seminar organized by the Catholic-Muslim Forum

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The First Seminar organized by the Catholic-Muslim Forum will begin this morning in the Vatican. The Forum was established by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and by Muslim representatives in the wake of the Open Letter sent on 13 October 2007 to His Holiness Benedict XVI and to other heads of Churches and ecclesial Communities by 138 Muslim leaders, and of the reply, sent by the Cardinal Secretary of State in the Holy Father's name on 19 November 2007.
The theme of the Seminar - "Love of God, Love of Neighbor" - will be tackled from two main standpoints: "theological and spiritual fundamentals" and "the dignity of the human person and mutual respect". The Catholic and Muslim sides will both deliver reports on each of these sub-themes, and their statements will then be the basis for the subsequent debates.
On the third day the participants in the Seminar are scheduled to be received in audience by the Holy Father. At 4.30 p.m. that afternoon a public session will be held in the Pontifical Gregorian University for the presentation of the Joint Declaration approved during the course of meeting. A Muslim and a Catholic representative will be present to answer any questions concerning the Seminar. Each of the two sides in the meeting will be composed of 29 people, including experts, religious authorities and advisers. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/11/2008)