Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cairo (Fides Service) - A Conference on Comboni Missionaries’ activity to promote dialogue with Muslims in Africa opened yesterday, 17 October in Cairo capital of Egypt. The objective of the meeting which will conclude on 21 October is to “take stock of relations with Muslims in African countries where Comboni Missionaries are present” a Comboni source said.
“There is a significant presence of Comboni missionaries in various realities where Muslim believers are the majority. For example in Sudan, Egypt Chad and Uganda. These are important experiences which will certainly be discussed and analysed during the conference in the Egyptian capital”.
“Dialogue with the world of Islam is certainly indispensable for promoting reciprocal understanding and the development of the common good but there are some difficulties” the missionary said.
“First of all it is necessary to eliminate centuries-old diffidence on the part of both Muslims and Catholics” the missionary said. “At the same time dialogue must be based on mutual respect and clear knowledge of one’s own faith to avoid confusion which only hinders dialogue instead of furthering it”.
“We must build reciprocal respect by promoting respect for human rights, religious freedom first of all. This task must be undertaken with governments” the missionary recalled.
“In the world of Islam we promote dialogue though human promotion, with schools and health care in particular. Our aim is not to proselytise but to bear witness to Christ’s love for all men and women”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2005 righe 27 parole 278)
