Muslim leaders send letter to pope proposing theological similarities

Published: 2007-10-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For the first time, more than 100 senior Muslim leaders from around the world sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders proposing theological similarities as a basis for peace and understanding. "Finding common ground between Muslims and Christians is not simply a matter for polite ecumenical dialogue between selected religious leaders," said 138 Muslim leaders in a letter released Oct. 11 in Washington. Christians and Muslims "make up more than 55 percent of the world's population, making the relationship between these two religious communities the most important factor in contributing to meaningful peace around the world," they said. "If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace." As Muslims, "We say to Christians that we are not against them and that Islam is not against them -- so long as they do not wage war against Muslims on account of their religion, oppress them and drive them out of their homes," they said.

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