Today united with brothers and sisters around the world, the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology re-dedicates itself to work for justice and peace. Key to promoting a culture of peace is cooperation, collaboration and dialogue among faith traditions.
Pope Benedict XVI calls us to this important mission stating that peace results only from witnessing to and working in Truth:
[We] must realize that peace cannot be reduced to the simple absence of armed conflict, but needs to be understood as ''the fruit of an order which has been planted in human society by its divine Founder'', an order ''which must be brought about by humanity in its thirst for ever more perfect justice''. As the result of an order planned and willed by the love of God, peace has an intrinsic and invincible truth of its own, and corresponds ''to an irrepressible yearning and hope dwelling within us''. (2006 World Day of Peace http://www.vatican.va).
Pope Benedict urges scholars and pastors to engage in “frank and sincere dialogue with great mutual respect” (Vatican News September 20, 2006).
The Muslim community responds favorably to the call for dialogue. It remains committed to a renewed engagement that will help us heal a world torn apart by hatred and violence.
We reject and decry all violence committed by Muslims against Christian and Catholic individuals and institutions. Such violence is sinful and unlawful. We urge Muslim authorities to increase their protection of Christians and their houses of worship, and to prosecute anyone who commits such acts of violence.
Muslim Americans welcome the gestures of friendship and understanding that have been made by their Catholic friends and colleagues, and express our sincere interest in continuing our dialogue with the Catholic Church to build the bridges of understanding between us. (Islamic Society of North America http://www.isna.net).
Though recent events have been a great test for our faith communities, Muslims and Catholics in a spirit of solidarity will join together to keep the Ramadan fast and pray for peace. (http://www.masnet.org).
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology offers information about interfaith dialogue and related local events. Postings will appear on our website throughout the coming weeks.
