Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “There are many causes for violence among believers of different religious traditions, including: the manipulation of the religion for political or other ends; discrimination based on ethnicity or religious identity; divisions and social tensions. Ignorance, poverty, underdevelopment are also direct or indirect sources of violence among as well as within religious communities.” This is what the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has said in its message to Muslims on the occasion of the end of the Month of Ramadan. The message is signed by the President of the Pontifical Council, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and its Secretary, Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, and its theme is: Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions.” Reflecting on the conclusions from the annual meeting of the Joint Committee for Dialogue, which took place February 23-24, 2010, the message expresses the hope that civil and religious authorities can offer their own contribution in placing remedy to violent situations “for the sake of the common good of all society” and that “the civil authorities safeguard the primacy of the law by ensuring true justice to put a stop to the authors and promoters of violence.”
Among the recommendations they make for overcoming the climate of tension is “to open our hearts to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation, for a peaceful and fruitful coexistence; to recognize what we have in common and to respect differences, as a basis for a culture of dialogue; to recognize and respect the dignity and the rights of each human being without any bias related to ethnicity or religious affiliation; necessity to promulgate just laws which guarantee the fundamental equality of all; to recall the importance of education towards respect, dialogue and fraternity in the various educational arenas: at home, in the school, in churches and mosques. Thus we will be able to oppose violence among followers of different religions and promote peace and harmony among the various religious communities.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 28/8/2010)
