Last week’s unprecedented Muslim letter calling for peace and understanding between Islam and Christianity may have been historical, but has thus far failed to inspire any major Christian action.
Top Christian leaders across denominational lines – from the Anglican Communion’s Archbishop Rowan Williams to the Roman Catholic Church’s Pope Benedict XVI to the World Council of Churches’ the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia – were quick to welcome the letter signed by some 140 Muslim leaders.
However, after the initial attention and response, not much was otherwise heard from the Christian representatives.
The World Council of Churches, which represents some 590 million Christians, has no public action planned for the time being, its communications officer told The Christian Post Wednesday.
“Our colleagues in interreligious relations will continue working in Muslim-Christian dialogue and relations as it has been the case in the past with the only difference that the insights of the letter, which deserves further study and consideration, will be dealt with within that framework,” said WCC media relations officer Juan Michel.
Meanwhile, the U.K.-based Evangelical Alliance said it intends to follow up on a preliminary meeting it had with the Muslim Council of Britain six months ago. The Evangelical Alliance’s general director, Joel Edwards, and its executive director of public affairs, David Muir, also plan to hold meetings with other faith groups.
“A key part of how I see our role developing is to build very strong and meaningful relationships with other faiths, particularly with Muslims, in the months and years ahead,” Edwards said.
Last week, 138 Muslim clerics, scholars and intellectuals from all the major sects signed a letter calling for peace between Muslims and Christians. The letter entitled, “A Common World Between Us and You,” urged followers of the two faiths to find “common ground” and not simply just for “polite ecumenical dialogue” between certain religious leaders.
“If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace,” stated the letter. “With the terrible weaponry of the modern world, with Muslims and Christians intertwined everywhere as never before, no side can unilaterally win a conflict between more than half of the world’s inhabitants.
“Our common future is at stake,” the letter added. “The very survival of the world itself is perhaps at stake.”
Signers represent the Sunni, Shia, Ibadis, Ismailian and Jaafari branches of Islam.
In response, the World Evangelical Alliance – which represents some 420 million evangelical Christians worldwide – said it will ask its Religious Liberty Commission and Theological Commission to develop an internal process that will guide the community in responding to the request from the Muslim scholars.
“I will also discuss with leaders of various Christian communions about the potential of a collaborative response from the Christian community,” said the Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunniciffe, WEA’s International Director and CEO, to The Christian Post.
The Lutheran World Federation also welcomed the Muslim letter and said further study and consideration was necessary.
Comments
Mr Warren and the others needs to explain and repent themselves over the recent signing of an Interfaith Ecumenical concession between many top Christian leaders and the Muslim faith.
Please read the blog at http://www.myspace.com/outofbabylon
If the Muslims wants Peace then tell them to give up the terrorists...
Peace is good. But the issue remains complicated. Which peace is it?
Is it the peace of the victor, which dictates terms to the loser? Is it a peace that seeks to consolidate position, to have a moment of calm to collect resources for a continuing phase? Is it a peace that seeks to gain advantage, either in political circles or opinion polls? Is it no more than a peace that Neville Chamberlin could support?
Or...
Is it a peace where mutual respect of the other's religion is supported, where dissenting religions can proselytize without fear of retatiation? Where converts from Islam will not be vilified and their lives imperiled? Where second-class status is not granted to non-Muslims, where no "infidel tax" exists, or threat of jihad?
Or...
Is it "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding," given us only by One whose power and grace can transport us beyond all fears, uncertainties, misery, and depression.
Peace can be the most complicated issue to resolve. Find that peace which is for real.
We "must turn away from evil and do good... must seek peace and pursue it. (1 Pet. 3:11)
These Muslim "scholars" do not speak for the radicals who are currently afflicting the planet. How will making nice with these guys effect anything?
Same old story isn't wrhalver? Every one using what the other party did or might do to excuse themselves from doing the right thing. I'm fairly certain, if there is a hell, our Lord will judge us on what WE did or didn't do, not another's actions. Any Christian who fears death in the pursuit of peace is of weak faith I would think.
I think I hit the wrong button and accidently flagged Tamna's comment as inappropriate. I meant to give a "thumbs up" in agreement. My apologies.
Many Christians would be more willing to listen to the Muslim leaders if they would first address the acts of violence carried out by the terrorists in the name of Islam. Until they do that, any recommendation to Christians about toleration and understanding smacks of rank hypocrisy.
Maybe there is no action being taken because those in positions of responsibility recognize the amazing level of hypocrisy contained in the letter.
So far it sounds like everybody is talking in political-type mumbo jumbo language. That explains the "very little action" between both faiths.
The truth is that peace is not possible when a faith does not acknowledge the God of Israel.
The Divine Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Studies, commissions, and internal processes will not change this. So I guess the world is doomed, but I think the book of Revelations covers this quite well. It really is very inspired reading.
If you read the Q'uran, you will understand that the Muslims will never want "peace" from the Christians. They will want to first infiltrate, then control, and then tax, and if possible ERADICATE any trace of Christian or even Jewish belief. Remember the words - "Allah has no Son." There will never be any meeting of the minds, because they hate Christians and want to wipe them out!!! It's that simple!!!