ASIA/SINGAPORE - Archbishop Goh to Muslims: "We are 'just one thing' in God"

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Singapore (Agenzia Fides) - "This year the Catholic Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Second Vatican Council document 'Nostra Aetate', on inter-religious relations. The document reminds us that we are truly 'one' in God. One is the community of all peoples, one is their origin, because God made the whole human race in order to live on earth. One is also their ultimate aim, God": are the words that the Archbishop of Singapore, His Exc. Mgr. William Goh, says to the Muslim community in a message for Id al-Fitr, the final day of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
In the message, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Archbishop said: "Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, the Catholic community sends its best wishes to you all, as the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we share with you as Catholics, are a great joy for all of us. These spiritual practices serve to deepen our love for God and strengthen our life of prayer". In particular, notes Mgr. Goh, the spiritual closeness between Christians and Muslims "is expressed in works of charity, especially towards our brothers and sisters who are poor".
The Archbishop also recalled another anniversary: "Singapore commemorates the significant milestone of 50 years of the building of a nation: we renew our commitment to continuously work for unity" and "to build bonds of peace and harmony between different ethnic groups and religions of our beloved country". "We arrived here thanks to our deep respect and friendship between Christian and Muslim leaders, committed to building harmony and mutual understanding", the text continues. "I am confident that we can look forward to greater solidarity among us in the years to come", the message concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 08/07/2015)


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