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Stressing that inter-religious dialogue is critical for the Asian
Church, a conference has found negative attitudes and differences
within the Church as obstacles to true dialogue. Asian Journey '97,
a Muslim Christian dialogue conference, said that issues such as
the seeming contradiction between faith witnessing and dialoguing
as well as inter-faith marriage can also dampen the efforts of
dialogue.
The Conference, titled "Promoting peace through inter-religious
dialogue," was held in Multan, 635 kilometres south of Islamabad,
with delegates coming from Australia, Bangladesh, Germany,
Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the
Philippines and Thailand. In their final statement, participants
insisted that dialogue efforts should be more concrete to touch
people's lives and situations and to bring about a real and just
peace in the areas where those involved in the dialogue live.
They encouraged Christians to promote more active relationships and
co-operation with Muslims in their daily living, and local Churches
to promote study of Islam and assist in inter-religious projects.
Noting negative attitudes and reactions to inter-religious
marriage, participants urged the Church in Asia to appreciate the
fact of inter-faith marriages as an Asian reality and develop
pastoral programmes for them. They asserted that such marriages are
becoming an increasingly significant fact of life, and pointed to
the positive aspects of inter-faith marriage as a way of practicing
dialogue of life and as a bridge between communities.
The statement said that Christians and Muslims have different views
of God, humanity and the world, and truth claims could clash. But
by acknowledging and respecting differences, they can enter deeply
the mystery of God, it added. "Our differences can be a source of
mutual enrichment," the statement read. "We need to remember that
God meets humanity in surprising ways, that he reveals himself in
human experience."
"For the Christian, the Bible reflects the ongoing dialogue between
God and humankind. 'Relatedness' is the way of God, who calls us
into relationship with others. The aim of dialogue is not of 'we
they' but 'us.' In its fullness, humanity is inclusive not
exclusive," participants said. They asserted that the perceived
tension between dialogue and proclamation is based on a false
dichotomy, maintaining that dialogue is part of proclamation. When
dialoguing, Christians witness to Christ and invite Muslims to
consider their faith. In doing so, the Christians recognise
Muslims do the same.
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