HOLY SEE: MESSAGE TO MUSLIMS FOR THE END OF RAMADAN, “PUT AN END TO VIOLENCE”

This is the message released on Friday by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue on the occasion of the end of Ramadan on the theme: “Christians and Muslims: together in overcoming violence among the followers of different religions”. The message was signed by the President of the Pontifical Council, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, and his Secretary, Archbishop Pier Luigi. “We cannot but acknowledge – reads the message – that the theme proposed this year by the Pontifical Council” is unfortunately “a pressing subject, at least in certain areas of the world”. “Among the causes for violence among believers of different religious traditions – observed the Pontifical Council - is the manipulation of the religion for political or other ends; discrimination based on ethnicity or religious identity; divisions and social tensions. Ignorance, poverty, underdevelopment are also direct or indirect sources of violence among as well as within religious communities”.
The message also includes some recommendations: “to open our hearts to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation, for a peaceful and fruitful coexistence; to recognize what we have in common and to respect differences, as a basis for a culture of dialogue; to recognize and respect the dignity and the rights of each human being without any bias related to ethnicity or religious affiliation; necessity to promulgate just laws which guarantee the fundamental equality of all; to recall the importance of education towards respect, dialogue and fraternity in the various educational arenas: at home, in the school, in churches and mosques”. In this way, continues the message, “we will be able to oppose violence among followers of different religions and promote peace and harmony among the various religious communities. Teaching by religious leaders, as well as school books which present religions in an objective way, have, along with teaching in general, a decisive impact on the education and the formation of younger generations”. The message ends with the hope that “these considerations, as well as the responses which they elicit within your communities, and with your Christian friends, will contribute to the continuation of a dialogue, growing in respect and serenity”.

© SIR - 28 august 2010

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