1st Ever Historic Meeting between OIC Head & Catholic Pope
For the first time, the head of the the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) met with the Pope to discuss relations between Christians and Muslims around the world.
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, OIC Secretary General, and Pope Francis met in the Vatican City, where they each expressed the need for greater efforts to foster respect between religious groups.
Ihsanoglu stressed that the presence of Muslims has increased in "historically Christian countries."
"In this context, the discussions expressed the need for greater efforts to foster respect for religious pluralism and cultural diversity, and to counter the spread of bigotry and prejudices," he explained in a statement. "It was stressed that interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and as such it is a duty for adherents of all faith traditions."
Church relations with Islam have so far been positive under Pope Francis' leadership. In his apostolic exhortation he underlined the importance of Catholic-Muslim relations, and highlighted their common Abrahamic roots.
"We must never forget that they profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, who will judge humanity on the last day," the Pope wrote.
"The sacred writings of Islam have retained some Christian teachings; Jesus and Mary receive profound veneration, and it is admirable to see how Muslims, both young and old, men and women, make time for daily prayer and faithfully take part in religious services.
"We Christians should embrace with affection and respect Muslim immigrants to our countries in the same way that we hope and ask to be received and respected in countries of Islamic tradition.
"I ask and I humbly entreat those countries to grant Christians freedom to worship and to practice their faith, in light of the freedom which followers of Islam enjoy in Western countries."
Founded in 1969, the OIC names itself the "collective voice of the Muslim world". It aims to protect the interests of Muslims "in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony".
Secretary General Ihsanoglu shared a vision for a "historic reconciliation" between Islam and Christianity in order to establish harmony in areas torn apart by war. The Pope praised this, and underlined the importance of ensuring that practical steps are taken to see that vision become a reality.
Particular attention was paid to the situation in Palestine, perhaps most significantly Jerusalem, which is at the centre of many conflicts between followers of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The leaders expressed hope that Jerusalem would become a city where Jews, Christians and Muslims are able to live and worship in harmony.
Also discussed was the importance for justice and equality worldwide, and for the eradication of poverty and hunger.
Source: en.islamtoday.net (Dec. 17, 2013)