Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - “We must respect people whose faith is different from our own. We were created by God with differences and he appreciates differences which are always a resource” said Pakistani Muslim leader Pir Allama Shafaq Rasool during a meeting on Muslim-Christian dialogue in Lahore, organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Commission for Dialogue among religions.
Some 200 believers of different faiths came together to discuss how to promote dialogue and harmony among Christians and Muslims, also in the light of the recent bombings in London which shook the whole of Europe and beyond.
Condemning the London terrorist attacks the Muslim leaders present at the meeting said “hatred has robbed man of respect for others. We are all children of God. We are all called to respect and love every human being on this earth”.
The delegates of Islam underscored the goodness of Sufi (mystical) teaching which promotes the good of humanity: prayer and reciprocal acceptance are the path towards building harmony and good relations among beleivers of different faiths.
Dominican Father Rehmat Raja said prayer and mystics are a fundamental point of contact between Islam and Christianity. “In Pakistan today, marked by episodes of violence and intolerance, rediscovering mysticism can help bring the communities closer together, whereas fundamentalist doctrines only separate. Mystics teach respect, tolerance and acceptance towards others”.
This is why Fr Raja has always encouraged priests, religious and laity to give special importance to spirituality in the field of interreligious dialogue and relations. “We must take note the signs of the times and work in what today is a global village first of all by showing respect for people with a different nationality, culture or religion”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2005 righe 22 parole 246)
