Respect and mystery

A wide variety of events are to be held in France to celebrate what has been called the Spirit of Assisi: marches for peace, round tables on human rights and interfaith dialogue, stage performances, even a festival at Cannes on “living together”; as well as the publication of a historic dossier on Assisi 1986 and a document on the “Practice of interfaith dialogue” offering a series of guidelines drawn up by the Bishops’ Conference and aimed at pastoral workers to “facilitate the meeting with other religions”. These are just some of the ways in which France is about to celebrate in October a “Day of reflection and prayer for peace and justice”, called by Pope Benedict XVI to commemorate the historic interfaith meeting promoted by John Paul II 25 years ago and held in the birthplace of Saint Francis on 27 October 1986.The actuality of the “Spirit of Assisi”. “On 27 October 1986 – recalls Father Christophe Roucou, head of the SRI (National Service for Relations with Islam of the French Bishops’ Conference) – John Paul II invited the representatives of all the world’s religions to a day of pilgrimage, fasting and prayer for peace in the world. This initiative represented a response to all those who blamed religions for being factors of division and war among mankind. The meeting in Assisi wanted to testify that religions can and must serve peace instead. Concluding this day of prayer, John Paul declared: ‘Peace awaits its prophets'”. “25 years later, this sentence remains of striking actuality. It’s the reason why Benedict XVI is renewing the invitation made by John Paul II in 1986 and in 2002: he is inviting the representatives of the world’s religions and men of good will to go to Assisi as pilgrims of truth, pilgrims of peace, to solemnly renew the pledge of believers of every religion to live their religious faith as service to the cause of peace. In contrast to 25 years ago, the Spirit of Assisi, to use John Paul II’s expression, will be felt not only at Assisi this year: a variety of events will take place in France and throughout the world. It will thus be a stage along the path of meeting and dialogue between believers, an often difficult path due to the obstacles of which there is no shortage”. Father Roucou cites, in particular, the fear that characterizes the relations of Christians with the Muslim community in Europe today. He also refers to the application of Palestinians to the UNO for recognition of a Palestinian State, and recalls the situation of conflict in the Holy Land. “There is – he concludes – for all believers a challenge to be grasped together: the challenge of ensuring that interfaith dialogue be at the service of faith. The path will undoubtedly be long, but it’s a path we need to take”.Dialogue and commitment for peace. The meeting promoted by John Paul II in 1986 is “a manifestation of God’s plan for humanity”, says Mgr. Michel Santier, Bishop of Créteil and chairman of the Council for Interfaith Relations of the French Bishops’ Conference. According to the bishop, interfaith dialogue must necessarily be combined today with the common aspiration to peace. “We cannot be Christians and believers and not aspire to peace”. That’s why “interfaith dialogue and concern for Christian minorities are two complementary commitments”. And in the context of the recent “Arab Spring”, “Assisi – says Bishop Santier – could be the place for a reaffirmation of the principles of religious freedom and freedom of conscience”.A commitment to be taken seriously. Interfaith dialogue has made enormous strides over the last 25 years, during which various inter-religious groups have also been established in France. This is something – says Bishop Santier – that should be welcomed with satisfaction, but – he adds – “this dialogue needs to given a theological foundation” because “the more we are serious, well informed and demanding in the practice of this dialogue, the less we will be considered simpletons”. This recognition has given rise to the idea of the French Bishops’ Conference to publish a document that contains a series of pedagogical guidelines on interfaith dialogue in which the different commitments, objectives and the context in which this dialogue should be placed are rehearsed. The document also makes a series of recommendations and offers some practical pieces of advice on how this dialogue should be pursued and how meetings should be organized. The question of prayer, with the explicit appeal to avoid any form of syncretism, is also tackled. The venue of dialogue is not a matter of indifference either: church, synagogue, mosque, pagoda… It’s important in this case – the French bishops advise – to create an atmosphere of meditation and communion in which everyone may feel at their ease”. Also the choice of texts is important and must be made in such a way as “not to upset the sensibilities of others”. Lastly, a recommendation: “It’s important to draw a clear distinction between liturgical celebrations intended for Christians and the interfaith time of prayer, meditation, and silence aimed at all believers. Each interfaith meeting must be experienced in a spirit of humility and mutual respect. Humility in the face of the difficulties encountered and the setbacks experienced, respect in the face of the mystery of the other and the mystery of God that is revealed in it”.