Christians and Muslims build bridges

FAITH LEADERS have pledged to make joint visits to regions experi­encing violent conflicts and the refugee camps that they precipi­tate, writes Hannah Roberts.

At a Christian-Muslim summit organised by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Episcopal Bishop John Bryson Chane said: “Christianity and Islam have a great opportunity to work with governments and civil societies currently in turmoil. They can begin to reshape a culture of peace in a world too  torn apart by sectarian violence … Christianity and Islam can and must be the bridge-builders of the twenty-first century.” Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan said conflicts are now “so numerous”, that respect for human dignity has been lost. “An ethic of human solidarity and a new international order are required,” he said.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran said that dialogue had taken a “courageous” leap forward, with Shia delegates speaking positively about the Scriptures. He told Vatican Radio: “The Shia, for the first time, talked about the need to put the sacred Scriptures in the framework of history.”