World Council of Churches to Host Muslim-Christian Dialogue
The World Council of Churches is planning to host an inter-religious dialogue between Muslims and Christians this fall in a bid to address conflicts fueled by religion in predominantly Muslim countries.
The head of the WCC's International Affairs and Public Witness, Mathews George Chunakara, told New Delhi-based Christian Today that Christian and Muslim leaders are expected to gather this coming November in Geneva, Switzerland, to address key issues in the present context of Muslim-Christian relations.
"About 70 top leaders from both these communities will discuss issues of common concern, mainly the inter-religious disputes and their possible solutions," said Chunakara.
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Among the topics that the meeting will address include the recent attacks on Christians in Jos, Nigeria, where several hundred people were killed in inter-ethnic clashes.
Though the violence was not sparked by a religious differences but from tribal and ethnic conflicts, Chunakara said the "state of affairs in that region is heartbreaking and tearful."
A delegation led by Chunakara visited the conflict-affected areas in May to find out more about the situation there.
"The situation is very pathetic. We were greatly distressed by the aftermath of the violence. We pray that never again such incidents occur against any community," the ecumenical leader stated.
During the visit, the WCC delegation visited Dogonahawa and Bukuru, where only a handful of people now live. The team offered prayers at the site of the mass grave in Bukuru, where an entire market was burned down and hundreds of houses and shops were destroyed.
The delegation also held discussions with local Muslims leaders on fostering peace.
Chunakara said such efforts must be taken for lasting peace.
"The November gathering is one such effort we are taking to take the message of peace to those in the grassroots level," he reported.
This fall's international consultation, which will be held under the theme "Transforming Communities: Christians and Muslims Building a Common Future," is being jointly planned, funded and convened by the World Council of Churches WCC and several Muslim organizations.
The consultation is expected to identify and address issues of common concern and provide guidance to enable cooperation between Muslims and Christians at all levels, including faith-inspired approaches for joint Christian-Muslim action.
The "Transforming Communities" consultation will take place Nov. 1-5.
