“Such interreligious competition wounds the image of religions and their followers, and it fosters the view that religions are not sources of peace, but of tension and violence. To prevent and overcome these negative consequences, it is important that we Christians and Muslims recall the religious and moral values that we share, while acknowledging our differences.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – ‘Christians and Muslims: From Competition to Collaboration’ is the title of the message the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent to the Muslims of the world for the month of Ramadan - which this year started around 16 May - and the feast of Id al-Fitr 1439 H. / 2018 AD, which falls on 15 June.
Signed by the president of the dicastery, Card Jean-Louis Tauran, and its secretary, Mgr Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, M.C.C.J., the statement says, “The thoughts we would like to share with you on this occasion, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, concern a vital aspect of relations between Christians and Muslims: the need to move from competition to collaboration.
“A spirit of competition has too often marked past relations between Christians and Muslims, the negative consequences of which are evident: jealousy, recriminations and tensions. In some cases, these have led to violent confrontations, especially where religion has been instrumentalized, above all due to self-interest and political motives.
“Such interreligious competition wounds the image of religions and their followers, and it fosters the view that religions are not sources of peace, but of tension and violence.
“To prevent and overcome these negative consequences, it is important that we Christians and Muslims recall the religious and moral values that we share, while acknowledging our differences. By recognizing what we hold in common and by showing respect for our legitimate differences, we can more firmly establish a solid foundation for peaceful relations, moving from competition and confrontation to an effective cooperation for the common good. This particularly assist those most in need and allows us to offer a credible witness to the Almighty’s love for the whole of humanity.
“We all have the right and the duty to witness to the All-Powerful One we worship, and to share our beliefs with others, while respecting their religion and religious sentiments.
“So that we may further peaceful and fraternal relations, let us work together and honor each another. In this way we will give glory to the Almighty and promote harmony in society, which is becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural.”