Muslim, Christian youth discuss tolerance challenges

By Mahmoud Al Abed

AMMAN -- Arab Muslim and Christian youth are meeting in Amman for a dialogue aimed at enhancing the "exemplary" religious coexistence in the region and protect it against outside interference. Participants at the "Muslim and Christian Youth and Challenges to Coexistence" symposium, which opened yesterday at King Hussein Club in Amman, will discuss an array of issues including Jordan as a study case of peaceful Muslim-Christian coexistence and the principles set by the Amman Message.

Issued in November last year, the document spells out the position of Jordan on Islam as a faith that promotes dialogue and tolerance in the face of terrorism and extremism. Discussions at the four-day symposium, organised by the Middle East Council of Churches, will also cover the role of Christian Arabs in building the Arab Islamic civilisation.

Speakers at the opening ceremony focused on the common ground between Islam and Christianity and the need to protect this long history of coexistence between the followers of the two monotheist faiths in an era characterised by sectarian and ethnic struggles.

Source: [Jordan Times]

Secretary General of the International Islamic Council for Dawa and Relief Kamel Sharif said the mission of the dialogue between Muslim and Christian youth is to "preserve coexistence and protect it from outside penetrations."

He urged young people "to keep the nation united and how to face the challenges of modern civilisation armed with faith, morals and high values."

In his address at the meeting, General Patriarchal vicar of Amman, Roman Catholic Bishop Salim Sayegh called for moving from "theory into practice," in the dialogue and to translate what is agreed upon into real-life practices. He also warned against going into the details of differences between religions and to concentrate on the areas of accord and positive shared aspects between Islam and Christianity.

Despite doctrinal differences between the two faiths, "there are bright areas of agreement," said Hamed Rifai, who presides over the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue. Muslims and Christian have a joint task summed up in "building the world, ensuring justice for people and protecting the environment," he added.

"In the past, I refused to accept the 'other' and was against interfaith dialogue, but I have changed now and I accept that I can coexist with others regardless of differences," said Habib Murad, a participant from Lebanon. Murad, who is preparing to become an Assyrian Orthodox priest, has taken part in two previous dialogue sessions held in Lebanon and Egypt.