ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

123 Since Muslims do not have a smattering of our beliefs except through the Koranic sources. Knowing Islam, proclaiming the Go- spel in the West (46) We hope for relations of equality and fra- ternity and we insist and will insist that these relations also conform to the custom and the law in force in Muslim countries re- garding Christians, so that there may be a just reciprocity. (Cardinal Martini) Study of Islam and Christianity Role of each of us to bring the Arab world and the West closer together _______________________ A great master of modern Islamic thought, Taha Hussein, during a meeting sponsored by the Cini Foundation in Venice at the Cen- tre of Culture and Civilization, recognized the vocation, of which the Arab Christian is the bearer, to be the intersection of two worlds of which he can make a synthesis aimed at reviving and developing the Arab world from which he comes. What can each of us do in Italy? This conversation would be lame without a proactive note. How to modernize the Arab world? The action could be directed towards dif- ferent paths: 1)In Europe: - towards Muslim preachers - towards the Muslims themselves immi- grants in Italy - towards Europeans - towards the institutions 2)In Arab countries: - Women and human development - Politically - At the level of international organisations - Arab Christians: take advantage of their thousand-year experience Rediscovering the spirit of the Koranic message (45) Free to choose their reli- gious condition. What positive influence can the proper in- tegration of Islam in Europe have on our- selves and on the churches of the East? Differences vs. enrichment Distinction between religion and state: an opportunity for a free spiritual develop- ment of the Muslim. No privileged treat- ment- reciprocal knowledge _______________________ Christians in the land of Islam The School (49) Social pressure against Christians: - funding - Subtle discrimination - TV - Religious instruction in schools - In public school - Christian Schools - Teaching religion _______________________ To make Arab Christians overcome the sense of isolation and abandonment by the universal Church: How to help Christians on Islamic soil (50) - Human Rights - Muslims fighting against extremism and for equality between citizens - Christian institutions: financial support - Reciprocity? - Tourism - Discovering Arab and Eastern Christianity - Churches united in common faith in Christ _______________________ A tool for mutual knowledge -ENEC What positive influence can the proper integration of Islam in Europe have on us and on the churches of the East? Could the Muslim in Italy become an agent of change? Better to be a Muslim in Europe Distinction between religion and state: an opportunity for a free spiritual develop- ment of Muslims. Cultural dialogue is the leaven for econo- mic development.