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"Muslims do not accept that one can discuss the Koran in depth,
because they say it was written by dictation from God," Tauran said. "With
such an absolute interpretation, it is difficult to discuss the contents of
faith."
The fact that Muslims can build mosques in Europe while many Islamic states
limit or ban church building cannot be ignored, he said. "In a dialogue
among believers, it is fundamental to say what is good for one is good for
the other," he said.
The appeal last week by 138 scholars representing a large majority of
Islamic views invited Christian leaders to a dialogue based on their common
belief that love of God and neighbor is the cornerstone of their religions.
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Catholic response is
key
The appeal was addressed to
all leading Christian churches. Anglican, Lutheran and evangelical leaders
and the World Council of Churches have all welcomed it.
But the reaction of the Roman Catholic Church, which makes up more than half
of the world's two billion Christians, is key to any coordinated Christian
response to the Muslim appeal.
Zauran praised the appeal as "an eloquent example of a dialogue of
spiritualities" that showed good will by quoting not the Koran only -- as
Muslims usually do -- but also the Bible.
The appeal avoided major differences such as the roles of the Prophets Jesus
and Mohammad (PBUH), but Tauran brought up one about the Koran. |