Sunday, June 24, 2007

Catholics Ponder Muslim Coexistence

In beautiful Venice, Catholics gathered to discuss this timely and vital issue.
One Western leader who has made a point of listening to the concerns of the Christians of the Muslim world is Venice's Cardinal Angelo Scola, host of the two-day encounter at the 17th century Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Scola is rapidly becoming Catholicism's most influential voice — beyond the Pope himself — on matters related to the Muslim world. From Venice, which for centuries has served as a bridge betweeen civilizations, the Cardinal founded Oasis, a cultural and study center and twice-annual journal that gathers perspectives from Catholics in Muslim countries. The initiative is both as a way to safeguard the rights of Christian minorities, and to promote mutual understanding between the Church and Islam.

"We gain knowledge about the different forms of Islam by starting with what the Christians living in these various realities suggest to us," Scola said. In the past, many in the Vatican hierarchy believed it was too risky to raise the issues of religious liberty and violence in Islamic countries. "Sometimes we have been too timid," Scola said. "We can't stay quiet. We want the encounter. It is vital to distinguish fundamentalism not just from the so-called 'moderate' Muslims, which can be an ambiguous term, but from the masses in the Islamic world."

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4 comments:

Porthos said...

Sorry to leave you out there all alone, wan Massketeer! I was going to comment on a few below, but the lapse between my visits is such that I have to sign in all over again even to post comments, and I didn't have time to sign in again . . .

So . . . how's about them Mets?

Athos said...

They handled the Oakland A's just fine and dandy, Porthos. Must be a busy summer for you!

D'artagnan said...

While I am more apt to be found watching "what not to wear" than a sporting event (I'm a guy, I swear), I thought I'd point out the symbolism, as sadly I have found that most folks talk religion and politics in the same type of bragging tone, that you usually find in "root for the home team" sports fans.

But out of respect, let us say a prayer for the long suffering of O's fans this season

Porthos said...

I have sports! That was just (or so I thought) a generic guy question.