
International Symposion
on the Concept of Monotheism in Islam and Christianity
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness
Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan
(Rome, 17-19 November 1981)
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Members of the Honorary Committee
H.E. Emilio Colombo, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Italy
His Eminence Franz Cardinal König, Archbishop of Vienna
H. E.
Chadli Klibi, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States
H. E. Habib
Shatty, Secretary-General of the Islamic Conference Organization
Communiqué
After positive speeches by representatives and scholars from Muslim
and Christian traditions the time has come to formulate practical issues.
The I.P.O. feels reinforced in its conviction that concrete aspects of the
Christian-Muslim dialogue have to be shaped that come down to immediate
co-operation.
The I.P.O. has given thought to the fields of primary interest in the world
of today where the desire for dialogue can be translated into practical
aims of cooperation. Among them there are three problems which appear to
the I.P.O. of immediate and vital interest. The first and foremost is the tragic
situation in the Holy Land of Palestine and in Jerusalem where recent political
developments can dangerously affect the future of the three great monotheistic
religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jerusalem must again be the
Holy City of the people of Jerusalem and Palestine, be they Jews, Christians
or Muslims, to live in peace and harmony.
The I.P.O. secondly feels that one of the main obstacles to meaningful understanding
and cooperation between Islam and Christianity is the continuing existence
of false stereotypes in school-textbooks. A concrete program of action
needs to be elaborated in order to examine and rectify all school-textbooks
from this point so that Christians from a young age can learn from the
true culture of Islam and the degree of closeness and identity with Christianity.
Action thirdly needs to be taken in some remaining European countries
to acknowledge the sizable Muslim communities as a legal religious entity
so that they can enjoy their own religious and cultural freedom without
legal obstacles
The I.P.O. hopes that the above concrete objectives will find all echo with
all men of good will everywhere.
Declaration
Upon the invitation of the International Progress Organizations and
under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan, Muslim and
Christian experts from different countries met in Rome on 17, 18 and 19
November 1981 in a first symposion to discuss the concept of monotheism.
Each participant put his point of view about the themes of the conference.
Fruitful discussions followed in mutual respect and understanding on the
basis of a common belief in the one God.
It appeared to the participants that new thinking is called for of both
Muslims and Christians to enable their communities to become more fully
conscious that they both worship the same God. Recent attempts in this
direction were welcomed.
The participants felt the desirability of further dialogue between these
two great monotheistic faiths on the concrete level to contribute to the
solution of some of the thorny issues which face humanity, and which threaten
peace and harmony between peoples and prevent a greater blossoming of faith
and belief.
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