Islamic scholars write pope, take issue with remarks in German speech

Published: 2006-10-16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- International Islamic scholars published an open letter to Pope Benedict XVI, taking issue with what they described as mistakes and oversimplifications of Islam in a recent papal speech to German academics. The cordial critique of the pope's speech was offered in a "spirit of open exchange," said the 38 Muslim leaders who signed the text. It was published online Oct. 15 by Los Angeles-based Islamica Magazine. The scholars took issue with several points made by the pope in his Sept. 12 speech at the University of Regensburg, Germany, including remarks about "holy war" and the suggestion that Islam may be less inclined to reject violence as an unreasonable affront to God. However, the scholars praised the pope's speech for its critical assessment of materialism in modern life. They also said they appreciated the pope's subsequent clarifications about his speech and his expressed regret over the offense taken by many Muslims. "We share your desire for frank and sincere dialogue and recognize its important in an increasingly interconnected world," the letter said.

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