A top Vatican official
has praised the Muslim call for dialogue whilst at the same time saying
that there are difficulties in having a real theological debate because
they saw the Koran as the literal word of God and would not discuss it
in depth.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran stated in an interview in
the French Catholic daily La Croix, that Christians would have to
discuss the curbs on building churches in the Islamic world in any
dialogue with the Muslim scholars.
The Cardinal stated that:
“Muslims do not accept that one can discuss the Koran in depth because
they say it was written by dictation from God. With such an absolute
interpretation, it is difficult to discuss the contents of faith.”
The
fact that Muslims can build mosques in Europe (and elsewhere) while
many Islamic states limit or ban church building cannot be ignored. “In
limited dialogue among believers, it is fundamental to say what is good
for one is good for the other” he said.
Whilst other Christian
denominations welcomed the letter from the Muslim scholars, the key to
any coordinated response is the Catholic response. It is expected that
Pope Benedict will make a response to the appeal from the Muslim
scholars when he addresses an interfaith meeting in Naples.
Powered by ScribeFire.
